Nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard, British theatre’s most prestigious honours, which will take place on Sunday 2 April at the Royal Albert Hall.

This year’s most nominated production is My Neighbour Totoro, the new stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s beloved 1988 animated film. Brought to the stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company and legendary Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi, the production received a total of nine nominations, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, Best Director, Best Theatre Choreographer, Best Original Score and a Best Actress nod for Mei Mac.

Courtesy of Pamela Raith.

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Autism is a developmental disability that impacts how someone might communicate, perceive situations, react to stimuli such as bright lights and loud sounds, anxiety levels – particularly when in unknown situations, take longer to process information and repeat certain actions or thoughts over again (NHS). Autism, or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a spectrum, with experiences different dependent on the person. An exploration of the journey taken to learn how best to care for and support a family member with ASD, Rachel Hammond presents Joshua (and Me), a vital, hearty production placing Joshua’s experience with ASD at the fore.

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Apples and Snakes have appointed a New Chair of the Board, Birmingham-raised spoken word artist Amerah Saleh. She succeeds Chris Elwell, who stepped down in early December and has been chair since 2014.

Amerah takes up the mantle after being a member of the board for three years. As a trustee, she aims to bring young people to the forefront of organisations minds’ and provide a voice in the room that could become potential opportunities for young people across the country.
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Five outstanding new writers from the UK, US and Eastern Europe are the finalists for the 2023 Theatre503 International Playwriting Award. Olga Braga, Georgia Bruce, Roxy Cook, Charlotte Cromie, and Nia Akilah Robinson’s plays were chosen from 1,466 scripts sent in from 49 countries.

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Be warned, this is not a play for non-white people. I should have known that from the clickbait lead image featuring an old white man, Louis Theroux vibes (a fellow Quent), standing in front of a tank decorated by brown men in thoubs, because that is all they are in this docu-play. Afghan people are objectified to add colour to a play which was set in Afghanistan before Henry Naylor had set foot in the actual country.

Courtesy of Steve Ullathorne.

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As we step into Web 3.0, we’ll increasingly experience metaverses and decentralised platforms alike. The gaming realm a perfect opportunity to encourage interconnectivity and the chance to build new. Channeling into this reality, Kakilang present Home X, a fusion of gaming, virtual reality, breakdance and testimonies questioning the meaning of home.

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The 23rd February just recently marked the 3rd anniversary of Ahmaud ‘Maud’ Arbery’s tragic passing, a 25 year old aspiring football player who was out on his usual run, something that he enjoyed to do and something his mother recalls in memoriam of his legacy before being shot in a racially aggravated attack. 3 years on and three defendants have since been prosecuted for that fateful day. We’ve seen the world rocked by protest and calls for change, especially in light of subsequent events that year, with this particular case having seen the first hate crimes bill drafted in Georgia. But there’s still a lengthy way to go. Drawing on this harrowing incident, writer Jeffrey Miller crafts the show Maud, a decades-long look at the prevalent issue of race within the US, centred on Ahmaud ‘Maud’ Arbery’s death, described by his family as a modern day lynching.

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When two worlds collide – that of a struggling escort and high flying businessman, their weeklong encounter takes on a whole new different meaning than initially once thought. J.F. Lawton‘s romantic 1990 comedy Pretty Woman a film that would become an instant hit, making both Richard Gere and Julia Roberts household names. More so of a drama in tone, the much loved film has taken to the stage, having enjoyed a 5 year run initially in the US, before landing here in the UK at the Savoy Theatre. Taking on a more musical tone, Vivian and Edward’s love story continues.

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The Gate Theatre are sending a clear signal across the theatre industry with award-winning Bootycandyopening their first ever season at their new home in Camden. There is little regard for the Western three-act structure as the play hurtles in and out of a new world full of life, colour and laughter by Gate Theatre Associate Artist Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu who directed sold-out runs of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Contemplate Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy.

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Two individuals have been honoured in the ‘Special Awards’ category of the Olivier Awards with Mastercard 2023, recognising their outstanding contributions to the theatre industry.

Dame Arlene Phillips has been awarded this year’s ‘Special Award’.

Arlene is a world-renowned choreographer and theatre director, honoured as a DBE for her services to dance and charity for over 45 years. Previously nominated for two Olivier Awards in the ‘Best Theatre Choreographer’ category, she is recognised for her considerable involvement with shows such as Starlight Express, Grease and Saturday Night Fever.

Arlene has also choreographed for high profile music videos (Whitney Houston, Elton John, Queen) and films (Annie, Ridley Scott’s Legend, Monty Python). She has been widely celebrated for her work on television, including her time as a judge on talent competitions Strictly Come Dancing, and So You Think You Can Dance, and as an events choreographer (BRIT Awards, The Royal Variety Show, Children in Need).

Sir Derek Jacobi receives this year’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his remarkable 60-year career on stage and screen.

Derek has garnered critical acclaim over his distinguished career and been the recipient of numerous accolades, including two Olivier Awards (Cyrano de Bergerac and Twelfth Night). He is also one of the founding members of the National Theatre, enlisted by Laurence Olivier himself. In 1994, Derek was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to theatre.

His lengthy career has known no bounds, from his famous affiliation with Shakespeare both in film and theatre (Hamlet, Romeo And Juliet, King Lear), to his notable roles on the small screen (Last Tango In Halifax, The Crown, Vicious). His other noteworthy cinema appearances include Gladiator, The Kings Speech and Murder On The Orient Express.

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