Today, the Olivier Awards unveils partnerships for 2026, including Cunard as new Headline Partner for the event, and the BBC as Broadcast Partner. The ceremony will take place on Sunday 12 April and will mark the 50th anniversary of the awards, which were established in 1976.
As Headline Partner, Cunard further strengthens its long-standing connection with world-class theatre and commitment to supporting the arts, prevalent both on board their ships and ashore. Cunard takes the wonder of the West End to the open ocean, both through its core on-board entertainment programme which includes the Olivier Award-winning Come From Away (2019 Best New Musical winner) and Pride And Prejudice* (*Sort Of) (2022 Best Entertainment or Comedy Play winner), and through its dedicated London Theatre at Sea voyages, offering guests exclusive performances from leading talent and sharing behind-the-curtain secrets of the Olivier Awards. Additionally, Cunard gives its name to the Cunard Best New Musical award, marking a new phase for this prestigious partnership.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said:
“Cunard has long celebrated the very best in art, culture and exceptional entertainment experiences, and we are incredibly proud to be the Headline Partner of the Olivier Awards – the UK’s most prestigious stage honours. This partnership reflects our shared passion for outstanding performance, storytelling, and British heritage, both on land and at sea.”
For its 50th year, the Olivier Awards will be televised in a prime-time slot on the BBC on Sunday 12 April. The programme will be delivered in partnership with Penny Lane Entertainment, producers of numerous event specials across music, comedy and entertainment. The BBC will also broadcast a special episode of Bargain Hunt, featuring a cast of previous Olivier Award nominated and winning contestants, and a look behind the scenes at an iconic West End theatre.
Kash Bennett, President of the Society of London Theatre, said:
“I am thrilled that the Olivier Awards are working with the BBC for our 50th anniversary and that Cunard, stalwart champions of London theatre, will be our Headline Partner. These prestigious partnerships enable us to shine a spotlight on the best of London theatre and the vitality of arts and culture.”
As part of exciting plans for 2026, the Olivier Awards with Cunard will be celebrating the crucial role that UK theatre plays as an incubator of talent, linking past winners and nominees with the local venues that inspired and nurtured them. A brand-new partnership with The Observer will offer enhanced coverage of the nominations and events surrounding the awards, including an exclusive series of nominee portraits.
The prestigious Nominees’ Celebration will take place at The Londoner (Official Hotel Partner), where nominees will enjoy an afternoon tea, with a drinks reception provided by Piper-Heidsieck, who are returning as Official Champagne Partner, and celebration partner Famille Perrin. Alongside Cunard as Headline Partner, the Olivier Awards has secured additional partners including Audi, returning as Official Car Partner, Edmunds Cocktails, The Ivy, and Fortnum & Mason, to enhance this year’s ceremony and associated events.
Tickets for the Olivier Awards 2026 with Cunard are now on sale to the public, available here…
OlivierAwards.com | Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
Leave a Comment