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Olivier Awards with Cunard highlights

Last night, Cunard took centre stage as Headline Partner of the 50th anniversary Olivier Awards, hosting a star-studded ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Read on to see the most memorable moments from the event.

3 min 13 Apr 2026

Cunard

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Highlights from the ceremony 

Cunard brought its signature touch to the 50th anniversary celebration with our 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. 

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Our Green Carpet host, Anita Rani

Cunard host Anita Rani welcomed celebrities, nominees, and winners on the Green Carpet (which, she revealed, is made of real grass!) 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.

 

In the lead-up to the ceremony, Anita hosted Spill the Tea, a mini-series of relaxed conversations with the Best New Musical nominees. The series saw the star-studded casts discuss their show's nomination, the joy behind the production, and what it means to bring such well-loved stories to the stage. Go to our Instagram page to hear the exclusive insights.

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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.

Anita Rani, British radio and television presenter and Cunard's Green Carpet host

The winners

 

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 and seven wins. Tom Fletcher created the music and lyrics for the hit musical, which has received a series of glowing reviews from critics.

 

Other winners include Rachel Zegler for her performance in Etiva (Best Actress in a Musical) and Rosamund Pike, who claimed Best Actress for Inter Alia at the National Theatre. 

 

For the full list of nominees and winners, visit Official London Theatre.

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Our partnership with the Olivier Awards

Cunard has partnered with the Society of London Theatre for seven years, bringing the magic of the West End to sea with world-class performances, award-winning theatre, and exclusive cultural events.  In 2025, the Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away was staged at sea for the first time, joining Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, alongside the popular and Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of) on board Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne.  

 

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.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard pictured at The Wigmore in London where Cunard announced a partnership with Michelin Star chef Michel Roux. Client: Cunard. Picture date: Tuesday August 8, 2023. Photograph by Christopher Ison © 07544044177 chris@christopherison.com www.christopherison.com IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING IMAGE LICENCING FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH: This image is supplied to the client under the terms previously agree. No sales are permitted unless expressly agreed in writing by the photographer.

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.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard

A final bow

 

The 2026 Olivier Awards may be over, but our dedication to world-class entertainment at sea isn't. From bespoke Event Voyages to unmissable Entertainment Residencies, no Cunard voyage is complete without impressive performances and rare theatrical treats. Experience the magic for yourself and find your perfect voyage today.

 

In celebration of our partnership, enjoy 5% off voyages and pre-voyage purchases on My Cunard. Offer ends 16 April 2026.

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