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Theatreland prepares for Oliviers
2011-03-13 15:51:26
13 March 2011 Last updated at 21:03 Share this page Delicious Digg Facebook reddit StumbleUpon Twitter Email Print Legally Blonde scoops Laurence Olivier Awards
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//Songwriter Stephen Sondheim, who received a special award, discusses his career
Sculptor Antony Gormley picked up the outstanding achievement in dance award for his work on the set design of Babel at Sadler's Wells, for which he created aluminium frames that were used on stage.
The same show was also named best new dance production.
In one of the biggest shocks, a production of La Boheme by OperaUpClose, which began at a 35-seat pub theatre, beat the Royal Opera House, London Coliseum and Young Vic to the award for best new opera.
The award for best musical revival went to Stephen Sondheim's Into The Woods, staged by the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
At the ceremony's climax, Sondheim received a special prize in recognition of his contribution to theatre.
Sir Cameron Mackintosh described the composer and lyricist as a "true legend", paying tribute to his "unique theatrical muscle".
"His sense of theatrical adventure knows no bounds, his subjects... have shown us all no subjects are taboo," Sir Cameron said.
Singer Michael Ball and actress Imelda Staunton hosted the ceremony.
Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Everett, Amanda Holden and Sir Patrick Stewart were among the stars who presented awards.