Olivier Awards: Jodie Comer and Paul Mescal win acting trophies as My Neighbour Totoro sweeps the board | Ents & Arts News

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Hollywood stars Paul Mescal and Jodie Comer have received the evening’s largest trophies on the Olivier Awards, whereas a stage adaptation of a beloved animated Japanese basic swept the board.

Mescal received greatest actor in a play for his function within the revival of the Tennessee Williams basic A Streetcar Named Want, whereas Jodie Comer was recognised for her efficiency within the explosive one-woman present about sexual assault, Prima Facie.

Talking backstage on the awards, which have been held on the Royal Albert Corridor, Comer informed Sky Information: “Girls sharing their tales with one another on-line, to us as a manufacturing… some folks have felt braveness sufficient to inform members of the family or mates what they skilled.

“To be part of that dialog – I really feel like that is how I can contribute.”

Mescal, who was additionally nominated for an Oscar this 12 months, informed Sky Information: “It is one of many best honours in my life… theatre is so essential and can proceed to be. It is simply one thing that I’ll cherish the remainder of my life.”

The Royal Shakespeare Firm’s stage adaptation of the Studio Ghibli 1988 movie My Neighbour Totoro received six of the evening’s awards, together with greatest leisure play, and greatest director – making it the evening’s most profitable manufacturing.

Elsewhere, Sir Derek Jacobi was given the lifetime achievement award and Dame Arlene Phillips – choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing decide – was handed the Particular Award.

Musical theatre mainstay Beverley Knight additionally received an award for her function within the musical Sylvia at The Outdated Vic.

Anjana Vasan, Hey Duggee, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and Will Eager have been among the many different main winners, whereas Standing At The Sky’s Edge scored the coveted greatest new musical trophy – beating a celebrity collaboration between Elton John, James Graham and Jake Shears.

Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham was the night’s host, a musical theatre performer herself. She will also present Eurovision in May.

Hannah Waddingham hosted the event. Pic:  Christie Goodwin
Picture:
Hannah Waddingham hosted the occasion. Pic: Christie Goodwin

Mescal, Izzard, Knight and Self Esteem name out cuts

However whereas the awards celebrated the very best in British theatre, it was amid a backdrop of Arts Council funding cuts throughout the sector.

Speaking concerning the cuts which have seen theatres – together with Oldham Coliseum, English Nationwide Opera and The Donmar Warehouse – lose funding this 12 months, Mescal informed Sky Information: “The Almeida the place we began with this play took a pay lower this 12 months, and it has been celebrated 12 months after 12 months [at The Oliviers] and one thing simply does not add as much as me the place you are celebrating us on these phases, however you are not giving us the stage to carry out, and it is the identical in Eire.”

Learn extra on theatre:
Maxine Peake’s fight to save theatre ‘reaching natural end’
English National Opera faces funding cut head on

Theatre staff ‘fearing for safety’ after rise in audience anti-social behaviour

Beverley Knight additionally delivered an impassioned defence of the humanities, telling Sky Information: “The primary port of name is for our authorities to grasp the job of theatre and what we do and what we signify – being on the vanguard of creativity on this nation, pulling in billions yearly.

“We’re storytellers, we’re explaining the human situation to fellow people. We now have a very essential function to play.

“And in so doing, the federal government must respect it, as a result of it would by no means ever give the funding to theatre… till they respect it – and in my humble opinion, I do not assume they do.”

Beverley Knight performing at the Olivier Awards. Pic: Christie Goodwin
Picture:
Beverley Knight performing on the Olivier Awards. Pic: Christie Goodwin

Additionally talking on the present’s inexperienced carpet, actress and Labour activist Eddie Izzard added: “[The government] need us to have a really odd view of inventive folks… they select their levelling up by what seats they wish to win.

“We now have individuals who have achieved wonderful inventive issues, from portray, to appearing, to rock n roll, to comedy, and that should preserve going.”

Self Esteem, who composed the soundtrack to Prima Facie, which additionally picked up greatest new play, stated: “It is so important for artwork, no matter kind it’s in, to not bypass folks that are not privileged to begin off with, in any other case you are simply going to get this horrible one world view.

“The much less that is prioritised, the more severe the humanities will get.”

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