The Olivier Awards 2026 will celebrate a landmark 50th anniversary with confirmed performances and presenters for the ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The event will honour London theatre achievements and be broadcast on BBC television and radio.

The 2026 Olivier Awards, presented in partnership with Cunard, are scheduled to take place at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 12 April. The ceremony marks 50 years since the awards were established in 1976 to recognise excellence in London theatre.

Nominations are led by Into The Woods and Paddington The Musical, with several nominated productions confirmed to perform. These include Paddington The Musical, Evita, Into The Woods, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Shucked and The Producers.

The event will also feature anniversary celebrations for West End stalwarts Phantom of the Opera and Wicked, marking 40 and 20 years respectively since their openings.

A diverse group of presenters has been announced, featuring notable names such as Adjoa Andoh, Monica Barbaro, Danielle de Niese, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Minnie Driver, Ambika Mod, David Harewood, and Andrew Lloyd Webber among others. The lineup also includes Wayne McGregor, Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, Richard Osman, Arlene Phillips, Aaron Pierre, Olivia Williams, Johannes Radebe, Sam Ryder, Russell Tovey, Vanessa Williams and Matt Willis.

Media coverage will be comprehensive, with WhatsOnStage reporting live from the green carpet and throughout the ceremony.

The Olivier Awards remain a central fixture in the UK theatre calendar, highlighting new productions alongside venerable shows. This year’s programme reflects both contemporary success stories and enduring stage classics in London theatre.