Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
The 2026 Olivier Awards showcased a blend of heartwarming gestures, standout performances, and surprising insights. As the UK’s most prestigious stage event concluded, several memorable moments emerged, reflecting the passion and dedication of the theatre community.
A tribute to legacy
One of the evening’s poignant scenes unfolded when Rachel Zegler entered the winners’ room after claiming the best actress in a musical award for her role in *Evita*. Her gaze landed on Elaine Page, the original Eva Perón from the 1978 debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. “I spent my life listening to her sing Memory from *Cats*,” Zegler shared, expressing deep admiration. She also reflected on the surreal nature of the night, mentioning how “some of the famous faces cheering me on were a surprise.”
“For every good thing, there are so many bad things but remember that the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more,” Zegler concluded.
Acting under pressure
For Brian Cranston, the dual-show schedule was a test of endurance. Known for his role in *Breaking Bad* and his West End portrayal of Joe Keller in *All My Sons*, the actor admitted to the BBC that managing two performances daily was “exhausting.”
“We did 115 shows, and when there are two shows a day, I can’t expend any more energy. I stay inside the theatre, eat a little soup, and live like a monk,” he said.
Cranston described his approach to the role, emphasizing the importance of understanding his character’s motivations. “You look for the justifications of why your character would say or do certain things to make sure you grasp it,” he explained.
A return to the stage
Rosamund Pike’s comeback to West End theatre after 14 years was marked by a heartfelt win in the best actress category for *Inter Alia*. The award highlighted her commitment to the craft, as she reflected on the “thrill of doing a new play.”
“I love the protective veil of a character, I like being other people, so the possibility of being singled out as just me is always quite daunting,” Pike admitted.
Despite her shyness, Pike revealed another passion: Formula 1. She hosts a BBC Radio 5 Live podcast on the sport and drew parallels between the drama of racing and theatre. “Every part coming together creates this performance in front of the cameras,” she added.
Behind the music
*Paddington The Musical* dominated the night, securing seven awards, including best new musical. The show’s composer, McFly’s Tom Fletcher, shared the creative process behind its success.
“Those closest to me were instrumental in the writing process, including my wife, Giovanna, and my sister, Carrie, who are both West End performers,” Fletcher joked.
Fletcher highlighted the significance of the musical’s message. “This is a show about celebrating kindness, and being part of that message going out into the universe is very special,” he said.
From film to stage
Zegler’s journey from a social media casting call to an Olivier win was a testament to her resilience. She recounted how she “was just very lucky that my parents let me” pursue the role of Maria in *West Side Story*, a breakthrough that “felt crazy” to achieve.
“I was just very lucky that my parents let me. I kind of did it without asking them, but they were very supportive so I’m very thankful,” Zegler said.
A celebration of collaboration
The night also underscored the power of collaboration, with multiple honorees highlighting the support they received from loved ones. From Zegler’s tribute to her idols to Fletcher’s family-driven creative process, the awards ceremony was a mosaic of shared achievements and individual stories.
