The Olivier Awards returned with a bang for the 50th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday (April 12) to celebrate the very best of London's world-class theatre shows. The star-studded ceremony returned to the BBC for the first time in 23 years on BBC Two, while Jo Whiley delighted radio listeners with backstage interviews from the dazzling line-up on BBC Radio 2. Highlights from the sensational night of theatre included performances from this year's nominees, including Paddington The Musical, Into the Woods, and Evita.

Viewers were also treated to spectacular celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of Phantom of the Opera and the 20th anniversary of Wicked. Minutes into the show, fans flocked to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share their delight at the glamorous award show returning to the broadcaster online.

One user penned: "Currently watching the Olivier Awards 2026 on BBC Two right now. Great acceptance award speeches about making sure that there are still charities to fund talented and new individuals through the acting door, in particular, the next generation."

Another gushed: "Olivier Awards on the BBC starting strong. Performance of Phantom of the Opera, then calling in Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Helen Mirren to present the first award for Best Revival, which goes to All My Sons." A third chimed in with: "The BBC really know how to do it right, don't they. Can't stop watching the Olivier Awards tonight!"

Leading the charge with a staggering seven wins on the night was heavyweight Paddington: The Musical, including Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor/Actress in a Musical. There were also big wins for Evita, with Rachel Zegler crowned the Best Actress in a Musical and also winning Best Theatre Choreographer.

Kenrex also went home with Best Actor for Jack Holden and Best Sound Design, as well as Punch, who scooped up Best New Play and Best Actress in a Supporting role for Julie Hesmondhalgh. Furthermore, Into The Woods celebrated throughout the night after being awarded Best Musical Revival and Best Lighting Design.

Meanwhile, All My Sons came away with Best Supporting Actor for Paapa Essiedu and Best Revival, and actress Rosamund Pike also took home Best Actress for Inter Alia. Elsewhere, Dame Elaine Paige was honoured with this year's Special Award for her contribution to musical theatre.

Some of the biggest names in Hollywood gathered at the prestigious event to present the stellar awards, including Sir IanMcKellen and Dame Helen Mirren, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Strictly star Johannes Radebe and Eurovision star Sam Ryder, to name a few.