Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
Olivier Awards 2026: Moments of Recognition and Reflection
Rachel Zegler’s Heartfelt Triumph
The 2026 Olivier Awards featured a poignant moment as Rachel Zegler entered the winner’s room following her win for best actress in a musical for *Evita*. Her emotional acceptance was highlighted by a heartfelt nod to Elaine Page, the original Eva Perón in the 1978 debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. “I’ve spent my life listening to her perform *Memory* from *Cats*,” Zegler shared, expressing deep admiration. She also reflected on the surreal nature of the evening, noting how “some of the famous faces in the room cheered me on, and I couldn’t believe it.”
“For every good thing, there are so many bad things, but remember that the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more,” she concluded, offering encouragement to aspiring performers.
Zegler’s journey to the stage began with her role as Maria in the 2021 film adaptation of *West Side Story*, which she secured through a social media casting call. “I was one of 30,000 women who auditioned, and I was just very lucky that my parents let me,” she said, emphasizing her gratitude for their support.
Bryan Cranston’s Theatrical Stamina
Bryan Cranston, known for his role in *Breaking Bad* and his revival of *All My Sons* on the West End, shared insights into his demanding schedule. “We did two shows a day on Wednesdays and Saturdays, totaling 115 performances,” he explained. “When there are two shows a day, I can’t expend any more energy—so I stay inside the theatre, eat a little soup, and live like a monk.”
“I say my little prayer, go to bed, take a nap, and get ready for the next show,” he added, describing his routine with a touch of humor.
Despite the exhaustion, Cranston found the role of Joe Keller, his nomination for best actor, both challenging and rewarding. “You don’t approach the role any differently, and you look for the justifications behind your character’s actions to truly understand them,” he noted, highlighting the importance of preparation.
Rosamund Pike’s Return to the Stage
Rosamund Pike celebrated her comeback to West End theatre after 14 years, earning a win in the best actress category for *Inter Alia*. “The thrill of doing a new play is incredible,” she told the BBC, describing the joy of re-entering the stage. She also drew parallels between acting and her passion for F1, mentioning her podcast on the sport. “I’m into cars, and I love the stories behind F1 teams, which move around the globe like a theatrical family,” she said.
“I love the protective veil of a character; I like being other people, so the possibility of being singled out as just me is always daunting,” Pike admitted, revealing her shyness.
Paddington The Musical’s Stellar Performance
Paddington The Musical emerged as a major winner at the 2026 Oliviers, claiming seven awards, including best new musical. The show’s composer, McFly’s Tom Fletcher, shared behind-the-scenes details. “Those closest to me were instrumental in the process, including my wife Giovanna and sister Carrie, who are both West End performers,” he said. “All my family can sing, so they’re on the original demos—somewhere there’s a Fletcher family album of *Paddington* that exists,” he joked.
Fletcher also highlighted the significance of the show’s message. “This is a celebration of kindness, and being part of that message is very special,” he said, reflecting on the project’s impact.
The Audience’s Experience
As the night unfolded, the audience witnessed a blend of celebration, reflection, and surprise. From Zegler’s touching tribute to Cranston’s unique approach to stamina, to Pike’s candid moments and Paddington’s triumph, the evening showcased the diversity and depth of theatre’s world. Each performance and award brought a new layer of storytelling, reinforcing the enduring power of the stage.