British theatre enjoyed another year of celebration at the Tony Awards, with UK-originated productions and British talent earning recognition across a range of categories. From celebrated revivals to bold new productions, the awards highlighted the originality and quality of the UK theatre sector, further cementing its place as one of the country’s leading cultural success stories.
Across the evening, British creatives secured a number of awards, including two for productions originating in London.
The two Lead Performance in a Play categories were won by John Lithgow for Giant, and Lesley Manville for Oedipus, both previously honoured at the 2025 Olivier Awards, reflecting the sustained excellence and global appeal of British theatre.
The British creatives celebrated were:
Giant: Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for John Lithgow. Giant, written by Mark Rosenblatt and directed by Nicholas Hytner, premiered at the Royal Court before transferring to the West End and then Broadway. The production won Best New Play, Best Actor, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Olivier Awards 2025.
Oedipus: Won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for Lesley Manville. Robert Icke’s production of Oedipus, produced by Sonia Friedman, premiered at the Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End and won Best Revival and Best Actress at the Olivier Awards 2025.
In addition, British individuals were recognised with awards for Arthur Miller’s Death Of A Salesman, with Olivier Award winner Jack Knowles taking home Best Lighting Design of a Play andChloe Lamford for Best Scenic Design of a Play, while British producer Michael Harrison’s production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with musicby Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, collected awards for Best Direction of a Musical, Best Costume Design of a Musical and Best Choreography.
SOLT & UK Theatre Co-CEO Claire Walker, who attended the awards in New York, said:
“Tonight’s success reflects the extraordinary strength and international appeal of British theatre. The Tony Awards reinforce the UK’s reputation as a leading home for theatre and demonstrate our industry’s ability to lead on the global stage.
“Congratulations to all of tonight’s nominees and winners, and to our colleagues at the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing for delivering such a fantastic celebration of theatre.”
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