The live streaming will begin at 6:30 PM London time via a player on the Awards website, www.olivierawards.co.uk. This year's awards are being hosted by actor Anthony Head, who is currently appearing in Six Degrees of Separation at the West End's Old Vic Theatre. The Awards were previously filmed until 2003 and televised after the event on BBC2. However, since then the awards have been celebrated behind closed doors.

In a press statement, Philippa Salvoni, head of publishing at The Society of London Theatre, commented, "This is a very exciting development for both the Laurence Olivier Awards and The Society of London Theatre. We are delighted that visitors to our website will be able to enjoy the atmosphere and glamour of this prestigious event."

The Laurence Olivier Awards were created in 1976 as The Society of West End Theatre Awards to recognize excellence on the London stage, and became The Laurence Olivier Awards in 1984 when Lord Olivier agreed to have his name associated with them. The awards include 25 categories, although they are not all given each year: 20 for theatre, two for opera, two for dance, one for productions presented by SOLT’s (Society of London Theatre) affiliate members and the Laurence Olivier Audience Award, for which members of the public are invited to vote for their favorite long-running show. Voting is open to March 17.