Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
The 2026 Olivier Awards brought together a mix of nostalgia, personal triumphs, and behind-the-scenes insights. From heartfelt tributes to the grind of stage life, the night was filled with stories that highlighted the passion and dedication of theatre professionals.
A tribute to legacy and new beginnings
Rachel Zegler’s win for best actress in a musical for *Evita* became a poignant moment as she reflected on her journey. Her emotional reaction was amplified by the presence of Elaine Page, the original Eva Perón from the 1978 debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. Zegler shared her admiration for Page’s work, recalling how she had spent her life listening to her sing “Memory” from *Cats*.
“I felt astonished by the whole evening,” Zegler said, expressing her gratitude for the support from notable figures who celebrated her success.
Her victory felt surreal, especially given her path to the role of Maria in the 2021 *West Side Story* film. She described the experience as a mix of luck and determination, highlighting her parents’ role in enabling her pursuit of the arts.
“For every good thing, there are so many bad things but remember that the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more,” she concluded, offering wisdom to aspiring performers.
The demands of stage life
Brian Cranston, known for his role in *Breaking Bad* and his performance in the West End revival of *All My Sons*, revealed the physical and mental toll of two shows a day. He noted that the rigorous schedule included 115 performances, a feat he described as challenging.
“When there are two shows a day, I can’t expend any more energy so I stay inside the theatre, eat a little soup—I’m like a monk,” Cranston joked, painting a vivid picture of his routine.
Despite the exhaustion, he found the role of Joe Keller, for which he was nominated for best actor, both rewarding and manageable. His approach emphasized understanding the character’s motivations, which he said made the performance easier.
“You don’t approach it any differently [to a moral character] and quite frankly you look for the justifications of why your character would say or do certain things to make sure you understand that,” he explained.
A return to the stage and a passion for speed
Rosamund Pike’s return to West End theatre after 14 years was celebrated with a win in the best actress category for *Inter Alia*. She described the experience as thrilling, comparing it to the excitement of her breakthrough role in *Gone Girl*.
“I’ve been waiting for something like this, the thrill of doing a new play is incredible,” Pike said, capturing her enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Pike also shared her personality, admitting she was “quite a shy person” and found being nominated for awards daunting. However, she found comfort in embodying characters, which she described as a protective shield.
“I love the protective veil of a character, I like being other people, so the possibility of being singled out as just me is always quite daunting,” she added.
Outside of acting, Pike revealed a surprising passion for F1, hosting a BBC Radio 5 Live podcast on the sport. She drew a parallel between F1 teams and theatrical families, emphasizing how both require seamless collaboration.
“Every part coming together creates this performance in front of the cameras,” she remarked, highlighting the connection between her two loves.
The triumph of a beloved character
*Paddington The Musical* dominated the night, securing seven awards including best new musical. The creative force behind the score, Tom Fletcher of McFly, credited his family for their contributions to the project.
“Those closest to me were instrumental in the writing process, including my wife Giovanna and sister Carrie—both West End performers,” Fletcher shared, joking about the “Paddington family album” he envisioned.
Fletcher expressed pride in the show’s message of kindness, calling the experience “an absolute joy” and “a dream.” He also highlighted the personal significance of the project, noting how it brought him closer to his children.
“This is a show about celebrating kindness and to be part of that message going out into the universe is very special,” he said, encapsulating the musical’s spirit.
