The Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard saw a world of talent get nominated for their extraordinary work. From outstanding one-man plays to touching musicals based on true stories, it really highlighted the exceptional year we’ve had in theatre.
But no matter how incredible, there comes a time when you have to stop dwelling on the past and look to the future. Here are some of the exciting new projects from the nominees of this year’s Oliviers.
Sharon D. Clarke, Arinzé Kene & Marianne Elliott
The simply charming Sharon D. Clarke sprinkled a bit of magic over the West End when she starred in Caroline, Or Change last year. So much so, she landed herself an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Now, she’s headed to the Young Vic to star in Death Of A Salesman. The play will be directed by multi-Olivier Award-winner Marianne Elliot, who was nominated for the Best Director award this year, alongside Miranda Cromwell. It’ll also star TV star Wendell Pierce and fellow 2019 Olivier Award nominee Arinzé Kene.
Patsy Ferran & Rebecca Frecknall
This year’s winner of the Best Actress In A Play award, Patsy Ferran, was the break-out star of 2018 for her role in Summer And Smoke.
Now, she’s on an absolute roll, as she’s back at the Almeida Theatre for its latest production, Three Sisters. She’s once again working with director Rebecca Frecknall, who was also nominated for an Olivier Award this year.
Cecilia Noble
Showing off her acting range, the Best Actress in a Supporting Role nominee is leaping from her comedy-filled role of Aunt Maggie in Nine Night to Bruce Norris’ brand-new play, Downstate, at the National Theatre.
It’s a play about four men who have been convicted of sex crimes against minors, and who live in a group home until one of their victims comes to confront him. The run ends next week on 27 April, so make sure to get a ticket fast if you want to see it.
Katherine Parkinson
Famed for her role in The IT Crowd, Katherine has decided to expand her horizons and go from acting to writing. Her debut play, Sitting, is currently playing at the Arcola Theatre. Though you won’t be able to see her on stage, you’ll get to know the inner workings of the Best Actress nominee’s mind.
The Lehman Trilogy and Sweat
These two plays were both nominated for the Best New Play award at this year’s Oliviers. So it’s no surprise that both of them are coming to the West End! The Lehman Trilogy will be transferring to the Piccadilly Theatre from 11 May, and Sweat will be at the Gielgud Theatre from 7 June.
And remember, you can still see some of the winning and nominated shows!
All About Eve
Starring Olivier Award-nominee Gillian Anderson and winner Monica Dolan, we surely don’t have to do much convincing for you to see All About Eve. Playing until 11 May, you’d better act fast if you want to see these outstanding performances.
Come From Away
Taking home the Best New Musical, Best Sound Design, Best Theatre Choreography, and Outstanding Achievement in Music awards, plus starring three nominated actors, and receiving a further two nominations, Come From Away is this year’s must-see musical. A heartwarming tale of acceptance and friendship, it’ll give you a well-needed dose of hope.
The Price
Nominated for Best Revival and starring two nominated actors, The Price should be high up on your watch list. Playing until just next week, you’d better get your skates on if you want to see David Suchet and Adrian Lukis in this classic Arthur Miller play.
Six
Need a reason to see it? We can give you Six: Jarneia Richard-Noel, Millie O’Connell, Natalie Paris, Alexia McIntosh, Aimie Atkinson, and Maiya Quansah-Breed. They were collectively nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical – and that’s not the only nomination this sassy musical received. Fresh, fun and fabulous, this is an absolute must-see.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
The three-time nominated show has all your favourite Tina Turner hits and a year on from its opening night, it has a new cast. See Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as the brand new Tina and get ready to feel empowered by the legend’s incredible story.