Some of the greatest talent in theatre is gathered tonight to present and receive the highest accolade for their performances or craftmanship during the past year of West End theatre.

Hosted by Diana Rigg from London's Dominion Theatre, the awards are presented by the Society of West End Theatre. The Laurence Olivier Awards are judged by members of the public and independent professionals.

There are 23 categories, including the BBC Award for Play of the Year, nominations for which are Angels in America, Death and the Maiden, The Madness of George III and Three Birds Alighting on a Field. Interwoven with the ceremony are excerpts from the musicals Carmen Jones and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the comedy An Evening with Gary Lineker, as well as In the Middle Somewhat Elevated, Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III, Talking Heads, and Death and the Maiden.

Event sponsored by American Express
Patron of the award The Observer

(Stereo)