Already home to the annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards that take place in February, the Oliviers - the U.K theatre industry’s equivalent to the Tonys - will be presented April 15, 2012.


This marks a move to slightly later in the calendar year. This year’s awards were held March 13 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Nominations for the awards will be announced March 15, 2012, with a cut-off date of Feb. 16, 2012, for eligible productions.

In a press statement, Mark Rubinstein, president of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), said, “Following the huge success of last year’s event under the inspired direction of our CEO Julian Bird, we are delighted to be hosting the 36th Olivier Awards with MasterCard at the beautiful Royal Opera House. We look forward to welcoming the finest theatrical talent to the industry’s premier awards.”

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 gave his name to the awards. The awards include 24 categories, although they are not all given each year: 18 for theatre, two for opera, two for dance, one for productions presented by SOLT’s (Society of London Theatre) Affiliate members and the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for Most Popular Show. There’s also an annual Special Award. 

For further information about the Olivier Awards, visit www.olivierawards.com