SUPER TROUPERS - THE STARS TAKE CENTRE STAGE FOR A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

THE CREAM OF THEATRE AND SHOWBIZ TALENT GATHERED AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL TO CELEBRATE THE OLIVIER AWARDS 2023

- RHONA MERCER

The Oscars might be the biggest night of the year for the film industry, but the Olivier Awards 2023, which took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London, gave stars of the stage their moment to shine. And the prestigious ceremony, which was hosted by Ted Lasso’s fabulous Hannah Waddingham, brought plenty of glitz, glamour and, of course, tear-jerking acceptance speeches.

Hannah, who is best known for playing AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton in the hit Apple TV+ comedy, kicked off the show with a song that had been written for the event. She was joined on stage by the cast of West End musicals such as Cabaret, Mamma Mia!, Moulin Rouge! and The Lion King. Although she dubbed herself as a “virgin presenter extraordinaire”, she proved herself to be a natural.

The 48-year-old, who is also co-hosting this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, had the crowd in stitches as she gave a shoutout to Jodie Comer in the audience, describing her as a “really glamorous sexy lion” and adding she would “happily be mauled to death” by the Killing Eve actress.

Jodie’s night just got better and better from that point on and the star, who looked stunning in a red Alexander McQueen gown, went on to win the award for Best Actress for her role in the one-woman play Prima Facie. The 30-year-old told the audience, “I’m so overwhelmed. This play has changed my life. I am so grateful and I have so many people to thank.”