With Hamilton sweeping the board of this year’s spectacularly theatrical Olivier Awards, we wanted to take a look back on some of the iconic moments in Olivier Award history through the many award-winning productions we have arriving at Birmingham Hippodrome this season.

Back in 2012, Matilda was nominated for a staggering 10 Olivier Awards. Matilda broke records with their 7 wins for awards such as Best New Musical, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Actor in a Musical and more.

Inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl, Matilda was the toast of the Olivier Awards back in 2012 with its impressive staging and innovative book and score by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin.

In 2008, War Horse wowed audiences with its clever puppetry and heart-aching narrative set in World War I. With 6 nominations including Best New Play, it is a production that captured the hearts of the nation, scooping up the awards for Best Theatre Choreographer and Best Set Design.

Talking of plays, back in 1997, the phenomenal new production about ART won the award for Best New Comedy. The story of friendship centres around a white canvas and three friends’ conflict on whether it defines a ‘masterpiece.’

With five nominations overall, ART is hailed as one of the most successful comedies ever and is returning to our stage with the legendary Nigel Havers, Stephen Tompkinson and Olivier-award winning Denis Lawson. 

Later on in 2016, Kinky Boots strut into the UK and took home the Olivier for Best New Musical, as well as Best Actor in a Musical and Best Costume Design.

Inspired by true events, the sassy and sparkly production tells the true story of Charlie Price who inherits his father’s shoe factory. When he befriends a drag queen, they come up with the business-saving idea to produce a line of high heeled boots.

All upcoming productions can be found on our What’s On page online here.