Gemma Arterton and Stephen Mangan will oversee proceedings at the UK’s most prestigious theatre awards ceremony next month when they host the Olivier Awards with MasterCard.
Following in the footsteps of 2013’s hosts Sheridan Smith and Hugh Bonneville, the international stage and screen stars will take to the stage of London’s iconic Royal Opera House on 13 April to help celebrate the very best of London theatre in the past year.
Arterton, who will take the lead role in a new musical stage adaptation of Made In Dagenham, was most recently seen on stage in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse’s inaugural production of The Duchess Of Malfi. Despite having two 2014 stage appearances to her name, the British actress is arguably best known for her film roles, which include Quantum Of Solace, St Trinian’s and Tamara Drewe.
Green Wing star Mangan is currently appearing in Jeeves And Wooster In Perfect Nonsense, which is nominated for Best New Comedy at this year’s ceremony. While, like his co-host, Mangan is well known for his screen appearances, which include television series I’m Alan Partridge and Episodes, his other recent stage credits include Birthday at the Royal Court.
The duo will ensure the night of prize-giving runs smoothly with the help of Olivier Award-winning actress Julie Walters, who will provide the voiceovers for the ceremony. Last seen on stage in The Last Of The Haussmans at the National Theatre, Walters picked up her own Olivier statuette for her performance in Howard Davies’ production of All My Sons in 2001.
Like many of the stars walking the red carpet on 13 April, the stage of the Royal Opera House will receive a makeover for the night of the ceremony, with Es Devlin announced to design the set. The internationally renowned designer could even find herself the recipient of one of the coveted 2014 accolades after receiving a Best Set Design nomination for her work on Lucy Kirkwood’s acclaimed play Chimerica.
On the night of the awards theatre fans will be able to keep up to date with all the winners and red carpet arrivals by following Official London Theatre and the Olivier Awards on Twitter. Following the ceremony, there will also be a chance to see the winners collect their awards and the night’s incredible performances in a fabulous highlights package on ITV.
Further details of the night, including the line-up of performances, glamorous presenters and what will be happening at the public Covent Garden Piazza event, are to be announced shortly.
