The production, based on Michael Bond’s fictional character, emerged as the most awarded show of the evening, equalling the record held by previous major winners such as Matilda the Musical, Hamilton, Cabaret, and Sunset Boulevard.The musical’s lead performance was recognized through a joint award for best actor in a musical, given to James Hameed and Arti Shah.

Hameed provides the voice and puppetry for the central character, while Shah performs physically in costume. Supporting performances were also acknowledged, with Tom Edden receiving best supporting actor in a musical for his role as Mr Curry, and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt winning best supporting actress in a musical for portraying Millicent Clyde.

Direction for the production was awarded to Luke Sheppard, while design categories were also secured, including costume design by Gabriella Slade and Tahra Zafar, and set design by Tom Pye and Ash J Woodward.The production entered the ceremony with 11 nominations, matching the total for Into the Woods, a revival staged at the Bridge Theatre.

The latter secured two awards, including best musical revival and best lighting design, credited to Aideen Malone and Roland Horvath.The ceremony was hosted by actor and comedian Nick Mohammed, who incorporated self-referential humour into proceedings, including remarks about the unexpected nature of his role as host.

The event also featured stage performances, including one by Rachel Zegler, who was awarded best actress in a musical for her role in Evita. The production had drawn attention during its run for staging a scene in which Zegler performed from the London Palladium balcony to audiences gathered outside.

In her acceptance remarks, Zegler credited director Jamie Lloyd for expanding accessibility in theatre and acknowledged the reception from London audiences.Choreography for Evita was also recognised, with Fabian Aloise receiving the award for best theatre choreographer. Separately, Elaine Paige was honoured with a special award recognising her stage career.

The award was presented by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Paige referenced her early career and the role of perseverance in sustaining a long-term presence in theatre.In the play categories, productions addressing themes of justice and accountability received multiple recognitions. Rosamund Pike was awarded best actress for her role in Inter Alia, in which she portrays a crown court judge facing personal and professional challenges.

The performance had previously been recognised at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards. Pike noted that her return to the stage followed a 14-year absence and described the decision as professionally uncertain.Despite Pike’s individual recognition, Inter Alia did not secure the award for best new play, which went to James Graham’s Punch.

The play is based on a real-life case involving a fatal assault and subsequent efforts toward restorative justice. Julie Hesmondhalgh received the award for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Joan Scourfield, whose son died following the incident. During the acceptance, Graham was joined on stage by individuals connected to the real events, and he referenced the process of reconciliation underlying the narrative.

Hesmondhalgh described the work as reflecting themes of compassion and forgiveness.In revival categories, All My Sons, directed by Ivo van Hove, was awarded best revival. Paapa Essiedu received best supporting actor for his role in the production and used his remarks to highlight the importance of youth theatre initiatives and access to arts funding.

The best actor award was given to Jack Holden for Kenrex, a production in which he performs multiple roles and also serves as co-writer. The outcome was notable as Holden was selected over higher-profile nominees, including Bryan Cranston. In his remarks, Holden acknowledged the relative obscurity of his work and encouraged audiences to engage with emerging talent. Kenrex also received recognition for sound design by Giles Thomas.

Both Kenrex and Punch were identified as examples of regional theatre productions achieving recognition at a national level. Kenrex originated at Sheffield Theatres before transferring, while Punch began its run at Nottingham Playhouse.Other categories included best new entertainment or comedy play, awarded to Oh, Mary!, and best family show, which went to an adaptation of The Boy at the Back of the Class, staged at the Rose Theatre.

The award for outstanding musical contribution was given to Chris Fenwick and Sean Hayes for their work on Good Night, Oscar, presented at the Barbican.In affiliate theatre categories, The Glass Menagerie received the award for best new production, marking the final production at the Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick before its relocation.

In dance and opera, Into the Hairy by Sharon Eyal was named best new dance production, while Dead Man Walking, staged by the English National Opera at the London Coliseum, was awarded best new opera production.Individual honours were also presented for contributions to the performing arts.

Wayne McGregor received recognition for outstanding contribution to dance, while Danielle de Niese was acknowledged for her contribution to opera. Industry recognition awards were presented to playwright David Wood, theatre educator Betty Laine, and National Theatre staff member Linda Tolhurst, whose tenure as a stagedoor keeper spans several decades.

The ceremony included commemorative performances marking the 40th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera in the West End and the 20th anniversary of Wicked. The awards are administered by the Society of London Theatre, with winners selected by a panel comprising industry professionals and members of the public.Despite multiple nominations, the Broadway transfer Stereophonic did not receive any awards. The production had previously set a record for nominations at the Tony Awards in 2024.

The overall outcome underscored the prominence of Paddington: The Musical within the current theatre season, both in terms of critical recognition and award distribution, placing it among the most decorated productions in the history of the Olivier Awards.