The National Theatre won three awards at last night’s (Sunday 14 April) prestigious Olivier Awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall. James Graham’s Dear England won The Londoner Award for Best New Play, Will Close was awarded Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance of Harry Kane in Dear England, and Mark Gatiss won Best Actor for his portrayal of Sir John Gielgud in The Motive and the Cue.
The National Theatre closed the awards ceremony with a special performance to mark its 60th Anniversary. Written by James Graham with direction by Elin Schofield the performance saw Joseph Fiennes reprise his role as Gareth Southgate to lead an ensemble cast including Janie Dee, Adrian Lester, Meera Syal, Callum Scott Howells and Fra Fee alongside a choir of 30 National Theatre alumni performers. Showcasing the scale of the National Theatre’s contribution to the arts, including a film marking the creation and development of the NT’s South Bank home voiced by Helen Mirren, the performance culminated with a rousing rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from the musical Carousel and ended with the poignant moment between current Director Rufus Norris and Indhu Rubasingham who takes up her role as Director Designate next month.
The National Theatre was nominated for 15 Olivier Awards. 2023 marked the most successful year in the NT’s history reaching a global audience of 17.5 million, including a record seven West End transfers in the year the organisation celebrated its 60th anniversary.
Speaking about the Olivier Awards Rufus Norris, Director and Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said: “At my final Oliviers as Director of the National Theatre it was an honour to see the NT celebrated in such fashion. Both the wins, and the closing performance marking the 60th anniversary, were a testament to the hard work of many who came before me, as well as those who continue to work so hard to spark imagination, nurture talent and inspire the world. It was particularly moving during the final performance to see the many people in the audience who have been part of the NT’s success. I feel incredibly proud to have played my part in the history of this iconic institution.”
