Society of London Theatre have announced the appointment of their incoming President, Kash Bennett. She will be serving as Vice President until 2024, when she will then take over from current President, Eleanor Lloyd. Holding the post of Managing Director of National Theatre Productions for over seven years, as well as serving three years on the SOLT board, Kash Bennett brings extensive industry experience to the role of SOLT President. She is responsible for delivering all live theatre performed outside of the National Theatre, including the West End, Broadway, and all UK and international touring productions. 
Today, on Friday 17 March, the Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard hosted their Nominees’ Celebration, in partnership with Cunard at The Londoner hotel, the world’s first super boutique hotel in the heart of London’s theatre district.
Society of London Theatre have announced their plans to launch a new category of membership. The ‘Associate Membership’ will be designed to identify producers and future theatre industry leaders in London who would not be eligible for other categories of SOLT membership.
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.
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.
Official London Theatre is adding hundreds of additional performances to its much-loved sale, with thousands more tickets for your favourite productions now available to book until the end of March, plus 11 brand new shows to choose from.
‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’ – Lyric Hammersmith in association with Sheffield Theatres.
Today, Wednesday 18 January, leading trade associations Society of London Theatre(SOLT) and UK Theatrehave announced their support for the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority(CIISA), a new organisation being formed to prevent and tackle bullying and harassment in the theatre sector and across the wider creative industries.
Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard announces new host Hannah Waddingham as public tickets go onsale
Public tickets for the Olivier Awards 2023with Mastercard, which will take place on Sunday 2 April, go on sale exclusively to Mastercard cardholders today (Tuesday 17 January) via priceless.com.
The Society of London Theatre has today announced the return of TheatreCraft, the UK’s largest free theatre careers event. Now in its 16th year, the 2022 event will take place at London’s Royal Opera House on Tuesday 25October.
Founded and co-produced by Masterclass, TheatreCraft supports 16-30 year-olds with the information, resources and networks they need to pursue a career in backstage theatre. Attendees will have the chance to speak directly to 60 leading training providers, venues and theatre companies in the busy marketplace, they can choose from over 40 interactive Q&As and workshops, hear industry leaders discuss hot topics in the panel talks, take part in backstage tours and access to one-to-one specialist careers advice from industry professionals.
Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre launches Schools Theatre Day, an initiative created to encourage schools back into the theatre following the pandemic. Theatres across the country will be highlighting the opportunities for school trips on social media using #SchoolsTheatreDay.
