The ceremony, to be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 with additional live on-demand coverage on BBC TV, will include a tribute to the composer with a cast that includes Adrian Lester, who played Bobby in the last West End revival of Company that transferred to the Albery Theatre (now the Coward) from the Donmar Warehouse.

The Special Award is chosen by the board of the Society of London Theatres, and over the years there have been a total of 24 recipients, including Sir Alec Guinness, Dame Judi Dench, Sam Mendes, Sir Peter Hall and Lord Olivier himself.

The ceremony will be hosted by Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, themselves both former Olivier Award winners, with performers due to appear including Barry Manilow alongside West End leading lady Kerry Ellis.

Dance companies Thick Skin and Zoo Nation have been commissioned to create choreography especially for the awards show, and there will be highlights from all the nominated musicals, including Sweet Charity, Into the Woods, Love Story, Fela!, Legally Blonde, Passion and Love Never Dies. All the musical tributes, including special star performances, will be accompanied by the 72-strong BBC Concert Orchestra, under the musical direction of David Charles Abell, with original music and orchestrations provided by Larry Blank.

Amongst the line-up of those presenting awards are Benedict Cumberbatch, Anne-Marie Duff, Matthew Fox, Elisabeth Moss, Rupert Everett, Mark Gatiss, Amanda Holden, Jonny Lee Miller, Elaine Paige, Tamara Rojo, Patrick Stewart , Danielle Hope, Rachel Tucker and Olivia Williams.

Tickets are also now on sale to members of the public to attend the ceremony. Visit www.OlivierAwards.com for details.