Lynne, who has staged and choreographed over 50 West End, Broadway and international stage productions and also worked on 11 feature films, is best known for creating the iconic choreography of Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, both of which she was Tony-nominated for. She was most recently represented on the London stage by her production of Dear World.

In a press statement, Lynne, who is now 87, commented, "I am humbled to receive such a high honour from my peers at the Society of London Theatre. It has been a true privilege to spend my entire working life in an industry that I love. However, my lifetime of achievement is not over yet and I am looking forward to many more years of creativity ahead."

Previous awards she has won include an Olivier Award, Silver Order of Merit, Golden Rose of Montreux Award, BAFTA, Moliere Award and The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award.

Michael Frayn has written 17 plays for the stage, including Noises Off, Copenhagen (which won the 2000 Tony Award for Best Play) and Democracy. He is also well known as a prose writer.

In a press statement, Mark Rubinstein, president of the Society of London Theatre, commented, "I am delighted that the Society of London Theatre has recognised the prolific work of Michael and Gillian who, in very different ways, have both had a vital and lasting influence on our theatre and dance stages. It is only fitting that these two ambassadors of British Theatre be recognised with the Special Award at this year’s ceremony." The Special Award winners will be honoured at the Olivier Awards ceremony taking place at the Royal Opera House on April 28, hosted by Hugh Bonneville and Sheridan Smith. The ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 from  6:30 PM with a highlights package broadcast on ITV later in the evening.

For further information, visit www.olivierawards.com.