Helen Mirren Takes Olivier Award for Playing Queen in ‘The Audience’

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” wins best play and six other awards at London theater awards

Helen Mirren, who the best actress Oscar for “The Queen” in 2007, took top honors Sunday at London’s Olivier theater awards Sunday for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in “The Audience.”

Getty ImagesMirren had been favorite for the trophy at Britain's equivalent of Broadway’s Tonys for her regal turn in Peter Morgan's play about the private weekly meetings between the monarch and Britain's prime ministers over her 61-year reign.

Also read: Peter Morgan's Play 'The Audience,' Starring Helen Mirren, to be Broadcast Live to Movie Theaters

Mirren joked that it was the queen who deserved an award, "for the most consistent and committed performance of the 20th century, and probably the 21st century."

Mirren’s “Audience” co-star Richard McCabe won the supporting actor trophy for playing Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Marianne Elliott’s National Theater production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” (photo top) won nearly everything else, capturing seven awards, including best play.

The drama was adapted by playwright Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s novel and also took honors for best for director Elliott, lead actor Luke Treadaway, supporting actress Nicola Walker, set design, sound and lighting design.

“Downton Abbey” actor Hugh Bonneville hosted the ceremony at London's Royal Opera House. “Homeland” star Damian Lewis, “Sex and the City” alumna Kim Cattrall and former boy wizard Daniel Radcliffe were among the presenters.

The list of winners:

New Play: "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

New Musical: "Top Hat"

Entertainment: "Goodnight Mister Tom"

Revival: "Long Day's Journey Into Night"

Musical Revival: "Sweeney Todd"

Actress-Play: Helen Mirren, "The Audience"

Actor-Play: Luke Treadaway, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

Actress-Musical: Imelda Staunton, "Sweeney Todd"

Actor-Musical: Michael Ball, "Sweeney Todd"

Supporting Actor-Play: Richard McCabe, "The Audience"

Supporting Actress-Play: Nicola Walker, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

Supporting Performer-Musical: Leigh Zimmerman, "A Chorus Line"

Director: Marianne Elliott, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

Theater Choreography: Bill Deamer, "Top Hat"

New Opera Production: "Einstein on the Beach," Barbican

Outstanding Achievement in Opera: Tenor Bryan Hymel for performances at the Royal Opera House

New Dance Production: "Aeternum," Royal Ballet

Outstanding Achievement in Dance: Principal dancer Marianela Nunez, Royal Ballet

Set Design: Bunny Christie and Finn Ross, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

Lighting Design: Paul Constable, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

Sound Design: Ian Dickinson and Adrian Sutton, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

Costume Design: Jon Morrell, "Top Hat"

Audience Award for Most Popular Show: "Billy Elliot"

Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theater: Season of new writing, Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Upstairs

Special Awards: Gillian Lynne, Michael Frayn

 

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