Voting is now open for the 2015 This Morning Audience Award, the only Olivier Award that is decided entirely by the theatregoing public.
There are 16 long-running shows eligible for the prestigious statuette, from Audience Award newcomers to productions that have been entertaining audiences in the West End for more than six decades.
Fighting it out amongst the musicals are 2012’s record-breaking Matilda The Musical, newbies Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and The Commitments, previous winners of the public-voted prize, Billy Elliot The Musical, Wicked and The Phantom Of The Opera, and Audience Award veterans Disney’s The Lion King, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia! and Thriller Live.
The 39 Steps, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, War Horse, The Mousetrap and The Woman In Black fly the flag for the plays, with percussion extravaganza Stomp competing on behalf of entertainment. The winner of last year’s Audience Award, Les Misérables, is not eligible for the 2015 prize.
Voting will be launched at midday today by Olivier Award-winning actress and Gypsy star Imelda Staunton live on ITV’s This Morning.
Everyone who votes between now and midday on 5 March, when the first round of voting closes, will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of tickets to April’s glittering ceremony.
Talking about the diverse range of shows battling it out for this year’s title, This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford said: “The variety of shows to choose from is just astounding, from spectacular West End musicals to incredible plays, and everything in between! British theatre audiences really are spoilt for choice. I can’t wait to see which one will win the vote.”
Following the first round of voting, a shortlist of four shows will enter the final round of voting on 9 March, when the rest of the nominations will also be announced, and voters will have until 17:00 on 10 April to make their final choice.
Votes from the first round will be carried over, meaning that those whose favourite show makes it through to the lucky shortlisted quartet won’t need to vote again. If your preferred production misses out, you’ll be able to vote again from the shortlist.
The winner will be announced, along with the recipients of all of the coveted accolades, on 12 April, when nominees, presenters and special guests will walk the star-studded red carpet before enjoying Britain’s biggest and most prestigious celebration of theatre at the capital’s iconic Royal Opera House.
To have your say, go to www.olivierawards.com
