With less than a week to go until the Olivier Awards, today I’m bringing you my predictions of the top five awards handed out at the ceremony. Annoyingly, I haven’t seen every show nominated so I’ve tried to predict with a mix of preference and acclaim from audiences/critics alike. My predicted winner will be in bold. Without further ado…

BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL

Caroline, Or Change at Playhouse Theatre

Company at Gielgud Theatre

The King And I at The London Palladium

I’ve really tried not to be biased with this, given this production of Company is my favourite show. That being said, surely the 9 nominations overall are an indication that it’s the winner? Caroline, or Change and The King and I were both very, very good revival but they felt very traditional. Director Marianne Elliott and producer Chris Harper took Sondheim’s Company and updated it for a new generation.

BEST REVIVAL

King Lear at Duke of York’s Theatre

The Lieutenant Of Inishmore at Noël Coward Theatre

The Price at Wyndham’s Theatre

Summer And Smoke at Almeida Theatre and Duke of York’s Theatre

I’ve managed 3/4 with this one, having not seen The Price. Although personally I enjoyed The Lieutenant of Inishmore the most. But, given the show had a fantastic central performance from Patsy Ferran and has a best director nomination for Rebecca Frecknall, I’ll be putting my money on Summer and Smoke winning.

SIR PETER HALL AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR

Christopher Ashley for Come From Away at Phoenix Theatre

Stephen Daldry for The Inheritance at Young Vic and Noël Coward Theatre

Marianne Elliott for Company at Gielgud Theatre

Rebecca Frecknall for Summer And Smoke at Almeida Theatre and Duke of York’s Theatre

Sam Mendes for The Lehman Trilogy at National Theatre – Lyttelton

I’ve really racked my brain with this one, because this is such a strong category. In fact, I’d argue it’s possibly the strongest category this year. Every single nominee did a fantastic job. And for a while I did wonder if Christopher Ashley would just edge it. However, what Marianne did with Company completely excelled all expectations of everyone so that’s why I think she will win.

BEST NEW PLAY

The Inheritance at Young Vic and Noël Coward Theatre

The Lehman Trilogy at National Theatre – Lyttelton

Misty at Trafalgar Studios 1

Sweat at Donmar Warehouse

Thrilled that Misty is on this list! And a surprise entrance from Sweat, although fantastic I did doubt whether this possibly opened too late to be considered. However, given it’s 8 nominations and unlimited amounts of praise, it’s got to be The Inheritance that wins this isn’t it?

BEST NEW MUSICAL

Come From Away at Phoenix Theatre

Fun Home at Young Vic

Six at Arts Theatre

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at Aldwych Theatre

Something I absolutely love is all four of these shows are based on real people and their stories! How incredible is that? I can feel a shift in the industry where audiences are flocking to shows like these as they feel a bit more human. Personally, I would love for Six to take it and give hope to the future of British musicals. But given it’s 9 nominations and, again, plenty of well deserved critical acclaim – it’s going to be Come From Away, isn’t it?

Who do you think will win big at the Oliviers this year? Let me know!

Until next time,