In a further sign of the current closeness between London's theatre and other tourist attractions - specifically hotels and transport - Hilton Hotels are to be the sponsors of the 2002 Laurence Olivier Awards.

Presented in February 2002, the awards are run by The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and are awarded to various branches of the performing arts : theatre, opera and dance.

Grant Heam, Managing Director of Hilton UK and Ireland believes "the Olivier Awards provides the ideal platform for the launch of Hilton Theatre Breaks, a campaign endorsed by SOLT and focused on developing and enhancing business to London" while Rupert Rhymes, Chief Executive of SOLT, says "London theatres and London hotels are two closely-linked sectors."

Details of the nominees for the 2002 Olivier Awards will be announced next February.

—by Paul Webb Theatrenow