Cunard took centre stage as headline partner of the 50th anniversary Olivier Awards, hosting a star-studded ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday.
The luxury cruise line, based in Southampton, has partnered with the Society of London Theatre for seven years, bringing the magic of the West End to sea with world-class performances, award-winning theatre, and exclusive cultural events.
In 2025, the Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away was staged at sea for the first time, on board Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, alongside popular Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of) on Queen Anne.
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Cunard’s dedicated theatre at sea voyage returns next month for its third year on board Queen Mary 2, delighting guests with a unique Transatlantic Crossing of behind-the-scenes talks, workshops and performances.
Cunard brought its signature touch to the 50th anniversary celebration with its iconic bellhops, who are current cast members from on board productions, playing a starring role.
They welcomed guests and posed for photographs before joining host Nick Mohammed on stage to present the awards.
The ceremony, broadcast on BBC Two, included a special performance marking 40 years of Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom Of The Opera, and a dazzling finale celebrating 20 years of Wicked in the West End.
Additional performances came from Cunard Best New Musical nominees Paddington The Musical, Shucked, and The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry.
Special Award recipient Dame Elaine Paige was honoured at the ceremony with a special video tribute.
Travel agent partners and competition winners walked the Green Carpet alongside theatre’s biggest stars. Meanwhile, Cunard guests travelling on board the fleet’s Queens experienced the magic at sea with screenings of the ceremony, themed cocktails, interactive activities, and red carpet photo opportunities.
Cunard host Anita Rani welcomed celebrities, nominees and winners, including the cast of Paddington the Musical, which won seven awards.
Cunard President Katie McAlister said: “Cunard’s connection to theatre, arts and culture has been part of our rich history for 185 years. These awards truly celebrate the very best of British theatre and its global impact, from the talent on stage to the creativity behind the scenes."
London Theatre at Sea in partnership with the Olivier Awards departs Southampton for New York on May 22.
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