It was bad news and good news for Lindsay Duncan, who fended off tough competition not only from esteemed actresses Zoë Wanamaker and Victoria Hamilton, but also herself when she picked up an Olivier Award only moments ago. Duncan, who improved the odds when she was nominated twice in the Best Actress category for performances in Mouth To Mouth and Private Lives, collected the award for her role in the latter.
“On behalf of my other self, can I say how proud I was to be nominated for Mouth to Mouth (written) by my dear friend Kevin Elyot. As for Private Lives this is undoubtedly about collaboration. I have to thank the cast and everyone at the Albery, and Howard Davis who is one of the best directors. This Amanda would not exist without Elyot. So a big thank you to Alan Rickman and this award can be split straight down the middle.”
The 72 year-old Noel Coward comedy Private Lives featured in seven of the categories this year, including the Best Actor category which gave co-star Alan Rickman his first ever Olivier nomination.
