The UK’s world-leading theatre sector took centre stage at last night’s Tony Awards, with British productions and artists winning in multiple categories. From Olivier Award-winning revivals to groundbreaking new work, the evening highlighted the creative excellence, technical innovation, and global influence of UK theatre – reaffirming its reputation as one of the nation’s most powerful cultural exports.
In total, UK-originated productions and British creatives took home thirteen awards. Many of the celebrated winners had already enjoyed major success at the Olivier Awards with Mastercard, demonstrating the enduring strength and global reach of British theatre on both sides of the Atlantic.
This includes:
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow – developed and premiered in London – is this year’s most Tony Award winning play. It won multiple design awards including Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design of a Play, Best Sound Design of a Play, and received a Special Tony Award recognising the Illusions & Technical Effects team behind its groundbreaking innovation. Produced by Netflix and powerhouse UK producer Sonia Friedman, the show also won the 2024 Olivier Award-winner for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play.
- Jamie Lloyd’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd enjoyed three wins, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for Nicole Scherzinger, and Best Lighting Design of a Musical. Produced by The Jamie Lloyd Company, ATG Productions, Michael Harrison, and Gavin Kalin, Sunset was originally staged at the Savoy Theatre and won seven Olivier Awards. Jamie Lloyd’s radical reimagining has captivated audiences on both West End and Broadway stages.
- Operation Mincemeat picked up Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Jak Malone, echoing his Olivier success. The show developed from the UK’s vibrant fringe and subsidised ecosystem – from New Diorama Theatre to a hit West End run.
- The Picture of Dorian Gray won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for Sarah Snook and Best Costume Design of a Play. A bold, contemporary adaptation originally developed by Sydney Theatre Company, the production transferred from the Theatre Royal Haymarket to Broadway after winning Best Actress and Best Costume Design at the Olivier Awards in 2024.
- Jonathan Deans, a veteran of the West End and the Royal Ballet & Opera, won Best Sound Design of a Musical for Buena Vista Social Club.
- George Reeve, video and projection designer for countless West End shows, won Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending alongside Dane Laffrey.
- There was further success for Sonia Friedman, whose production of Eureka Day won Best Revival of a Play.
SOLT & UK Theatre Co-CEO Claire Walker, who attended the awards in New York, said:
“This year’s Tony Awards have been a brilliant showcase for the creativity and talent that make the UK a global leader in theatre. We are delighted to see so many shows produced and developed in the UK find a home on Broadway. Congratulations to our colleagues at the Broadway League and the American Theater Wing for hosting such a wonderful celebration of theatre and to all of the winners and nominees.”
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