Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s Heroes, Brian Cranston’s Nap Routine and More Highlights from the Night
The 2026 Olivier Awards brought together a mix of nostalgia, triumph and behind-the-scenes insight, with several notable performances and candid reflections. Among the most memorable was a heartfelt moment involving Rachel Zegler, who stood in the winner’s room after claiming best actress in a musical for her role in *Evita* and spotted Elaine Page, the original Eva Perón from the 1978 debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *Evita*. “I’ve spent my life hearing her perform ‘Memory’ from *Cats*,” Zegler shared, her voice filled with admiration.
A Star’s Journey and Gratitude
For Zegler, the victory felt surreal, especially given her path to the stage. She revealed how her breakthrough in musical theatre came after responding to an open casting call on social media, landing the role of Maria in the 2021 film adaptation of *West Side Story*. “I was just one of 30,000 women who auditioned for the part,” she said, adding that her parents’ support was crucial to her success. “I did it without asking them, but they were always there to back me.”
“For every good thing, there are so many bad things, but remember that the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more,” she concluded, reflecting on her journey.
The Fatigue of Back-to-Back Performances
Brian Cranston, known for his role in *Breaking Bad* and his portrayal of Joe Keller in the West End revival of *All My Sons*, shared his unique approach to managing the demands of two shows daily. “We performed 115 times across the season, split between Wednesdays and Saturdays,” he explained. “When doing back-to-back performances, I retreat into the theatre, have a light soup, and treat it like a monk’s routine.”
“I say my little prayer, go to bed, take a nap, get up and prepare for the next show—it’s my life,” Cranston added, highlighting the exhaustion but also the rhythm of his schedule.
A Return to the Stage and a Passion Beyond Acting
Rosamund Pike, making her West End comeback after 14 years, was awarded best actress for her role in *Inter Alia*. The win marked a triumphant return, as she described the thrill of taking on a new play. “It was like the excitement of being cast in *Gone Girl*—this role allowed me to explore every aspect of womanhood,” she said. Despite her acting prowess, Pike admitted to being “quite a shy person,” which made awards season challenging.
“I love the protective veil of a character, I like being other people, so the possibility of being singled out as just me is always daunting,” she confessed.
Outside of acting, Pike expressed a deep interest in F1, currently hosting her own BBC Radio 5 Live podcast about the sport. “I’m into cars, I love the stories, and F1 teams moving globally feel like a theatrical family,” she remarked, drawing a parallel between the two worlds.
A Musical Triumph and Family Collaboration
*Paddington The Musical* dominated the evening, securing seven accolades, including best new musical. The composer, Tom Fletcher of McFly, credited his family for their role in the creative process. “My wife Giovanna and my sister Carrie, both West End performers, were essential to the writing,” he said, joking that a “Fletcher family album” of the musical exists due to the collaborative nature of the work.
“This show is about celebrating kindness, and being part of that message is very special,” Fletcher added, emphasizing the heart of the production.
