Laurence Olivier Awards

The Laurence Olivier Awards are the Society of London Theatre's annual honors for the best work on the London stage, covering new plays, musicals, revivals, performances, design, opera and dance. The awards began in 1976 as the Society of West End Theatre Awards and took their current name in 1984, when the actor Laurence Olivier agreed to lend his name to them. They are widely regarded as Britain's most prestigious theater prizes.

Productions staged in London's West End and at the city's major subsidized and affiliate theaters are eligible. Separate judging panels for theater, opera, dance and affiliate shows, made up of industry professionals and members of the public with a strong interest in theater, see the eligible productions and draw up the nominations, and members of the Society then vote on most of the winners. The Top Book List follows the Olivier Awards for plays published in book form, especially the award for Best New Play.

Professional productions staged in London's West End and at the city's major subsidized and affiliate theaters during the eligibility season.