“The Book of Mormon” and the geopolitical drama “Chimerica” were the big winners Sunday at Britain’s Olivier stage awards.
“The Book of Mormon” — written by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone — won four prizes, including best new musical and best actor in a musical, for Gavin Creel (photo above).
Lucy Kirkwood’s “Chimerica,” a play about the entwined fates of China and the United States, won five trophies including best new play and best director, for Lyndsey Turner.
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A revival of Henrik Ibsen’s “Ghosts” took prizes for best revival, best actress, for Lesley Manville, and best supporting actor, for Jack Lowden.
Sharon D. Clarke was another winner from the subsidized sector, taking the best-actress trophy for “The Amen Corner” at the National Theatre.
Founded in 1976, the awards are Britain’s equivalent of Broadway’s Tonys, and honor achievements in London theater, musicals, dance and opera. Gemma Arterton and Stephen Mangan hosted the event, which included performances by tenor Joseph Calleja, Bernadette Peters and ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, who reunited onstage to celebrate the 15-year West End run of “Mamma Mia.”
The complete list of winners can be found at the Olivier Awards web site.