Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night

Olivier Awards 2026: Highlights from the Night of Theatre Recognition

The 2026 Olivier Awards, held on Sunday night, spotlighted several standout moments, from the charm of Paddington The Musical to Rosamund Pike’s triumphant return to the West End stage. Here are six key takeaways that defined the evening.

Rachel Zegler’s Emotional Connection to the Stage

Rachel Zegler’s win for best actress in a musical for *Evita* was a heartfelt moment, as she shared the stage with Elaine Page, the original Eva Perón from the 1978 debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. “I spent my life listening to her sing Memory from *Cats*,” Zegler reflected, her voice filled with admiration. She described the evening as “astonishing,” expressing surprise at the familiar faces who celebrated her victory.

“Looking back, it felt crazy to win after my breakthrough role as Maria in *West Side Story*—a chance I seized without asking my parents, but they were incredibly supportive,” she said.

Zegler also shared a message of encouragement: “For every good thing, there are so many bad things, but the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more.”

Brian Cranston’s Unique Routine

Brian Cranston, known for his role in *Breaking Bad* and the West End revival of *All My Sons*, described his dual-show schedule as “exhausting.” “We did 115 performances, with two shows a day on Wednesdays and Saturdays,” 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—this is my life,” he added.

Cranston’s portrayal of Joe Keller, a morally questionable character, required a balance of understanding and performance. “You don’t approach it any differently [from a moral character],” he noted. “You look for the justifications behind your character’s actions to make them believable.”

Rosamund Pike’s Theatrical Rebound

Rosamund Pike’s return to the West End after 14 years was celebrated with a win in the best actress category for *Inter Alia*, Suzie Miller’s legal drama. “The thrill of doing a new play is incredible,” she told the BBC, comparing the experience to her role in *Gone Girl*. “This role gives me the chance to explore every part of being a woman,” she said.

“I love the protective veil of a character; I like being other people. The possibility of being singled out as just me is always daunting,” she admitted.

While discussing her work, Pike revealed another passion: Formula 1. She hosts a BBC Radio 5 Live podcast on the sport, sharing, “I’m into cars, I love the stories, and F1 teams moving globally feel like a theatrical family. Every part coming together creates this performance in front of the cameras.”

Paddington The Musical’s Triumph

Paddington The Musical emerged as a major winner, securing seven accolades, including best new musical. The composer, Tom Fletcher of McFly, credited his family for their role in the creative process. “My wife Giovanna and sister Carrie, both West End performers, were instrumental,” he said. “All my family can sing, so they’re on the original demos—somewhere there’s a Fletcher family album of Paddington,” he joked.

“This is a show about kindness, and to be part of that message going out into the universe is very special,” Fletcher added.

Fletcher also mentioned the pressure of crafting a musical for a beloved character. “Looking after Paddington while showing my sons the show was very special,” he said, emphasizing the joy of the project.

A Night of Applause and Reflection

The evening’s audience witnessed a blend of celebration and introspection, with moments that highlighted both the personal and professional journeys of the theatre community. From Zegler’s emotional acceptance to Cranston’s disciplined routine and Pike’s candid insights, the Oliviers underscored the dedication and creativity that define stage artistry.