Global music superstar Barry Manilow will take to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane stage as part of the eagerly awaited 2011 Olivier Awards with MasterCard.
The American singer-songwriter, who has sold more than 80 million records worldwide and was described by Rolling Stone magazine as “a giant among entertainers… the showman of our generation”, recorded timeless hits including Mandy, Could It Be Magic, Looks Like We Made It and Copacabana. The latter was made into a TV movie and then a stage musical which ran for two years in the West End from 1994. The show – based on the character of Lola from the famous song – was revived at the Watermill, Newbury, last year.
Though exactly what Manilow will perform at the glamorous ceremony on 13 March is yet to be announced, it has been confirmed that he will perform alongside West End leading lady Kerry Ellis, who has appeared in productions including Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, Wicked and, most recently, Oliver!
In addition to Manilow and Ellis, more illustrious stars of stage and screen have joined the list of presenters confirmed for this year’s exciting ceremony.
Benedict Cumberbatch, Jonny Lee Miller, Anne-Marie Duff, Elisabeth Moss, Rupert Everett, Mark Gatiss, Amanda Holden, Elaine Paige, Tamara Rojo, Danielle Hope, Rachel Tucker and Patrick Stewart join the already announced trio of Alfie Boe, Matthew Fox and Olivia Williams on presenting duties at the star-studded ceremony.
The stellar presenters will join the recently announced hosts, Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, along with a collection of stars of stage and screen and distinguished guests from the London arts scene at the 13 March ceremony.
The event, which has been revamped this year, will also feature performances from nominated musicals including Sweet Charity, Into The Woods, Love Story, Fela!, Legally Blonde, Passion and Love Never Dies, along with specially created pieces from dance companies Thick Skin and ZooNation. There will also be some very special surprises.
Theatre fans can still purchase tickets to the event or follow the ceremony on the night through the BBC Red Button, BBC Radio 2 or at olivierawards.com
MA