The Latest: ‘The Inheritance’ named best new play in London
Posted April 7, 2019 2:04 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LONDON — The Latest on the Olivier Awards honouring London stage productions (all times local):
6:40 p.m.
“The Inheritance” has been named best new play at British theatre’s Olivier Awards.
Matthew Lopez’s epic drama took the first trophy at a Sunday evening ceremony for the annual prizes, Britain’s equivalent of the Tonys.
The American playwright said he was “overwhelmed and overjoyed” to win the London stage award for his seven-hour play about young gay men in New York.
Laura Wade’s “Home I’m Darling,” about a 21st-century couple trying to live a perfect 1950s life, was named best new comedy.
“The Inheritance” has eight Olivier nominations in all. Musicals “Come From Away” and “Company” are each nominated in nine categories.
The prizes are being handed out in a black-tie ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
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2:00 p.m.
Actors and other theatre professionals are preparing for Britain’s annual Olivier Awards ceremony, where musicals “Come From Away” and “Company” lead the nominations with nine apiece.
“Come From Away,” about a Newfoundland town that sheltered stranded air travellers after the 9-11 attacks, is up for best new musical. A gender-switched West End production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” is nominated for best musical revival.
Epic gay-history drama “The Inheritance” has eight nominations, and a revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I” starring Kelli O’Hara and Ken Watanabe has six.
Acting contenders include Ian McKellen for “King Lear,” Gillian Anderson for “All About Eve” and Sophie Okonedo for “Antony and Cleopatra.”
Sally Field, Kelsey Grammer, Tom Hiddleston and Wendell Pierce are among the stars expected at Sunday’s ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The Associated Press
