Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
Olivier Awards 2026: Highlights from a Night of Theatre Triumphs
The 2026 Olivier Awards delivered a mix of heartfelt moments, surprising revelations, and celebratory triumphs, with several standout performances and behind-the-scenes stories capturing the attention of the UK’s theatre community. From a young star’s emotional journey to a veteran actor’s nostalgic reflections, the night was rich with memorable interactions.
Rachel Zegler’s Emotional Journey
Rachel Zegler’s victory in the best actress in a musical category for her role in *Evita* was a defining moment of the evening. As she stepped into the winner’s room, she spotted 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. Her win felt surreal, especially considering her rise from an open casting call to the 2021 film version of *West Side Story*, where she played Maria. “I was just very lucky that my parents let me,” she said, recalling how her family’s support was crucial to her unexpected success.
“For every good thing, there are so many bad things but remember that the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more.”
Brian Cranston’s Theatrical Marathon
Brian Cranston, known for his role in *Breaking Bad* and the West End revival of *All My Sons*, spoke candidly about the demands of performing two shows daily. “We did 115 performances, and it was a lot,” he admitted. His routine, he explained, was as disciplined as a monk’s: “I stay inside the theatre, eat a little soup, say my little prayer, and take a nap before the next show.” Despite the grueling schedule, Cranston found the role of Joe Keller, a morally complex character, manageable. “You look for the justifications of why your character would act a certain way,” he said, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role’s motivations.
Rosamund Pike’s Return and Passion for Speed
Rosamund Pike’s return to the West End after 14 years was celebrated with a well-deserved win in the best actress category for *Inter Alia*. “I’ve been waiting for something like this,” she said, describing the joy of rejoining the stage. The experience mirrored her role in *Gone Girl*, which she called “a chance to explore every part of being a woman.” Interestingly, Pike revealed another passion: Formula 1. Hosting a BBC Radio 5 Live podcast on the sport, she likened F1 teams to “a theatrical family,” where every element comes together to create a “performance in front of the cameras.”
“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.”
Paddington the Musical’s Seven-Award Sweep
*Paddington the Musical* dominated the evening, securing seven awards, including best new musical. The show’s composer, Tom Fletcher of McFly, shared insights into its creation. “My wife, Giovanna, and my sister Carrie were vital to the process,” he said, noting that both are West End performers. Fletcher humorously mentioned that “somewhere there’s a Fletcher family album of Paddington” thanks to his relatives’ musical talents. “This is a show about celebrating kindness,” he added, reflecting on the musical’s core message. “To be part of that and share it with the world is very special.”
