Celebrating 50 years of theatre at the Olivier Awards with Cunard

Cunard’s dedicated London Theatre at Sea in partnership with the Olivier Awards Event Voyage returns next month for its third year on board the world’s only ocean liner Queen Mary 2, delighting guests with a unique Transatlantic Crossing of behind-the-scenes talks, workshops and unforgettable performances.  

Cunard brought its signature touch to the 50th anniversary celebration with its iconic bellhops, who are current cast members from on board productions, playing a starring role. They welcomed guests and posed for photographs before joining host Nick Mohammed on stage to present the awards. 

The ceremony, broadcast on BBC Two, included a special performance marking 40 years of Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom Of The Opera, and a dazzling finale celebrating 20 years of Wicked in the West End. Additional performances throughout the evening included Cunard Best New Musical nominees Paddington The Musical, Shucked, and The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry.

Special Award recipient Dame Elaine Paige was honoured at the ceremony with a special video tribute, before being presented with her statuette by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, who also read a celebratory message from Her Majesty The Queen. 

Travel agent partners and competition winners walked the Green Carpet alongside theatre’s biggest stars. Meanwhile, Cunard guests travelling on board the fleet’s iconic Queens experienced the magic at sea with screenings of the ceremony, themed cocktails, interactive activities, and red carpet photo opportunities.

Cunard host Anita Rani welcomed celebrities, nominees and winners on the Green Carpet and backstage, including Rachel Zegler, who won Best Actress in a Musical, and the cast of Paddington the Musical. Presented by Elizabeth Hurley, the production triumphed at the ceremony, winning seven awards, including the coveted Cunard Best New Musical award for writers Tom Fletcher and Jessica Swale.

Based on Michael Bond’s beloved books and recent film adaptations, Paddington the Musical was one of this year’s most nominated productions with 11 nominations. Tom Fletcher created the music and lyrics for the hit musical, which has received a series of glowing reviews from critics.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Cunard’s connection to theatre, arts and culture has been part of our rich history for 185 years. It’s a privilege to be the headline partner of the Olivier Awards in its 50th year as these awards truly celebrate the very best of British theatre and its global impact, from the talent on stage to the creativity behind the scenes."

Anita Rani, Cunard’s Green Carpet host, said: “It has been an incredible evening hosting the Green Carpet at the Olivier Awards with Cunard. Tonight feels especially special as we celebrate five decades of extraordinary British theatre, and it has been wonderful to see this year’s winners recognised.  I have enjoyed seeing so many of the shows, so it has been a real joy to meet the nominees and winners and hear their stories up close. Nights like this remind you just how powerful and uplifting theatre can be, and I have loved being here with Cunard and being part of such a special celebration.” 

London Theatre at Sea in partnership with the Olivier Awards departs from Southampton to New York from 22-29 May 2026. Exclusive highlights include The Oliviers in Concert, celebrating 50 years of the awards with the Royal Court Theatre orchestra, interactive workshops, and a glamorous gala evening with red carpet moments.

For more information about Cunard and to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com.