Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s Heroes, Brian Cranston’s Nap Schedule and More Moments from the Night
Emotional Triumphs and Personal Connections
The 2026 Olivier Awards, held on Sunday night, highlighted several standout performances and heartfelt anecdotes. One of the most poignant moments came as Rachel Zegler entered the winners’ room after securing the Best Actress in a Musical title for her role in *Evita*. Her emotional reflection on the evening revealed a surprising connection to her predecessor in the role, Elaine Page, who first portrayed Eva Perón in the 1978 debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical.
“I spent my life listening to her sing *Memory* from *Cats*,” Zegler shared, expressing deep admiration.
Zegler also spoke about the surreal nature of her win, acknowledging the challenges she faced in breaking into musical theatre. She recounted how her role as Maria in the 2021 film version of *West Side Story* was a result of a spontaneous response to an open casting call on social media, with her parents’ support playing a pivotal role in her journey.
“Sometimes the most unexpected things become the most meaningful,” she reflected, adding, “For every good thing, there are so many bad things—but remember that the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more.”
Theatrical Demands and Unique Routines
For theatre professionals, performing two shows in a single day is routine, but for Breaking Bad star Brian Cranston, it was a test of endurance. As the lead in the West End revival of *All My Sons*, Cranston endured a grueling schedule of 115 performances across Wednesdays and Saturdays.
“When there are two shows a day, I can’t expend any more energy,” he explained. “I stay inside the theatre, eat a little soup—I’m like a monk.”
His method for maintaining energy included a strict ritual: a brief prayer, a nap, and a seamless transition into the next performance. Cranston emphasized that his role as Joe Keller, a morally questionable businessman, required understanding the character’s motivations rather than altering his approach.
“You don’t approach it any differently,” he noted. “You look for the justifications of why your character would say or do certain things to make sure you understand it.”
Reunions and New Beginnings
Rosamund Pike’s return to West End theatre after a 14-year absence was celebrated with a win in the Best Actress category for Suzie Miller’s legal drama *Inter Alia*. The award marked a triumphant comeback, with Pike recalling the excitement of embracing a new role.
“I’ve been waiting for something like this,” she said. “The thrill of doing a new play is incredible.”
Pike also drew a parallel between her recent role and her earlier breakthrough in *Gone Girl*, stating that both allowed her to explore the complexities of womanhood. Despite her success, she admitted to feeling shy when nominated for awards, as the spotlight felt overwhelming.
“I love the protective veil of a character,” she confessed. “The possibility of being singled out as just me is always daunting.”
Outside of acting, Pike revealed a passion for F1, hosting a BBC Radio 5 Live podcast on the sport. She likened the dynamic of F1 teams to that of a theatrical family, emphasizing how collaboration shapes both worlds.
“I’m into cars, I love the stories,” she said. “And F1 teams and how they move around the globe are not unlike a theatrical family.”
Paddington’s Dominance and Creative Insights
Paddington The Musical emerged as a major winner, claiming seven accolades, including Best New Musical. The show’s composer, McFly’s Tom Fletcher, credited his family for their contributions during the creative process. His wife, Giovanna, and sister, Carrie, both West End performers, were central to the project.
“All my family can sing,” Fletcher joked, “so they’re all on the original demos. Somewhere there’s a Fletcher family album of *Paddington* that exists.”
Reflecting on the project, Fletcher highlighted the pressure of balancing his family’s expectations with the demands of the musical. He described the experience as “an absolute joy” and “a dream,” underscoring the show’s message of kindness and its universal appeal.
“This is a show about celebrating kindness,” he added. “To be part of that message going out into the universe is very special.”
