MUMBAI: Roald Dahl book adaption ‘Matilda the Musical’ has created a history by winning seven honours at the Olivier Awards 2012 held in London.
Written by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Australian comedian Tim Minchin, Matilda scooped awards for Best New Musical, Best Choreography, Best Sound, Best Set and Best Director. Bertie Carvel who plays a cross-dressing villain was named as the Best Actor in a musical.
Aged between 10-12 years old, Cleo Demetriou, Kerry Ingram, Sophia Kiely and Eleanor Worthington Cox who played the title role of Matilda were the youngest ever recipients of an Olivier – Best Actress Award.
The title for Best Actor was jointly awarded to Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, who alternate the roles of scientist and his monster in ‘Frankenstein’. Ruth Wilson was named as the Best Actress for ‘Eugene O’Neill’s’ melodrama. A Donmar Playhouse production of ‘Anna Christie’ was declared as the Best Musical and Collaborators received the honour of Best New Work.
The ceremony presented special awards for lyricist Tim Rice and outgoing Royal Ballet director Monica Mason. Other artistes to win Oliver Award include Sheridan Smith and Nigel Harman as the Best Supporting Performer. English National Opera Castor and Pollux won double awards – Best New Opera and ‘Special Achievement in Opera’ for its diverse artistic program. The BBC Radio 2 Olivier Audience Award went to ‘Les Miserables’.
Hosted by Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, the award ceremony held at Royal Opera House witnessed several musical performances including a collaborated act by Brian May and cast of Queen musical ‘We Will Rock You’ for a rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
Olivier Awards are named after theatrical giant Laurence Olivier and was first held in 1976. The prestigious awards are presented annually by the Society of London Theatre.