Paddington The Musical was the big winner at the 2026 Olivier Awards, where the West End revivals of Evita and Into The Woods also won plaudits.
The smash-hit musical – which is adapted from the books by Michael Bond and the hit films – won in seven categories from 11 nominations, including best new musical, best actor in a musical and best actor and actress in a supporting role.
It follows the adventures of the marmalade-loving bear from Peru, starring a life-like puppet of Paddington, and also picked up the prize for best costume design, best set design and the Sir Peter Hall award for best director.
Paddington The Musical, which is currently being staged at the Savoy Theatre in London, features music written by McFly star Tom Fletcher, and its book was written by playwright Jessica Swale.
Speaking ahead of the awards ceremony at Royal Albert Hall, Swale hailed working with Fletcher as “really fun” and said: “It’s such a privilege to look after such a special bear. It’s just been so fun. We’ve had the greatest adventure.”
ITV News caught up with several stars before they went into the Royal Albert Hall
American actress Rachel Zegler picked up the award for best actress in a musical for her West End debut in the revival of Evita at the London Palladium, which drew large outdoor crowds while she sang Don’t Cry For Me Argentina from an outside balcony.
The critically acclaimed show, which follows the life of Argentine politician Eva Peron and her rise from actress to first lady, also saw Fabian Aloise take home the Gillian Lynne Award for best theatre choreographer.
Into The Woods, which was tied with Paddington The Musical with 11 nominations, also picked up two Olivier Awards for best musical revival and best lighting.
Elsewhere, Rosamund Pike – known for on-screen roles including Gone Girl – picked up the prize for best actress for her return to the stage after almost 14 years.
Jack Holden won the award for best actor for Kenrex at The Other Palace, and the play also picked up the prize for best sound design.
Paapa Essiedu took home the gong for best actor in a supporting role for All My Sons at Wyndham’s Theatre, and the play was also crowned best revival.
Punch, based on the true story of a teenager who killed a man with a single punch, also won two awards and took home the prizes for best actress in a supporting role and best new play.
This year’s Olivier Awards marked the 50th anniversary of the ceremony and were hosted by comedian Nick Mohammed.
It featured a string of musical theatre performances, with a cameo from Paddington the bear himself singing a rendition of Marmalade from the smash-hit musical.
Elsewhere in the ceremony, Zegler belted out Don’t Cry For Me Argentina and there were performances from Into The Woods and Phantom Of The Opera.
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