Nick Mohammed has been named because the host for this year’s Olivier awards, which occur on the Royal Albert Hall in London subsequent month.
The comic, author and actor, who not too long ago discovered a brand new fanbase as a Celebrity Traitors finalist, will comply with in the footsteps of his Ted Lasso co-star Hannah Waddingham, who offered the Oliviers in 2023 and 2024. Last year, they had been co-hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the awards, which recognise achievements in theatre, dance and opera.
“To host the Oliviers in its 50th year is not only a dream come true but an absolute honour and privilege,” mentioned Mohammed. “I love it not only for the breadth of theatrical talent it celebrates, but also for the extraordinary variety of live performances it showcases on the night itself. While I will try to remain in the wings during these, I can’t promise I won’t be singing along (in full voice). But at least I won’t be on roller skates this time.”
It was on roller skates (and in a shiny dinner jacket) that Mohammed carried out, in character as his squeaky-voiced alter ego Mr Swallow, on the 2024 Bafta awards. He additionally skated on stage in his present The Very Best and Worst of Mr Swallow.
Established in 1976, the Olivier awards are overseen by the Society of London Theatre. The winners are chosen by a group of trade figures, stage luminaries and theatre-loving members of the general public. Nominations will be revealed on Thursday. Last month it was introduced that particular awards will be given to choreographer Wayne McGregor (excellent contribution to dance) and soprano Danielle De Niese (excellent contribution to opera). Industry recognition awards will go to youngsters’s playwright David Wood; Betty Laine, founding father of Laine Theatre Arts faculty; and Linda Tolhurst, stagedoor keeper on the National Theatre for nearly half a century.
The Oliviers ceremony will happen on 12 April. Highlights will be broadcast that night by the BBC, which is embroiled in the fallout from its current telecast of the Bafta awards, which edited out a few of Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson’s tics, however included him saying the N-word as Sinners actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo took to the stage. Alan Cumming, who presented the Baftas, said: “What should have been an evening celebrating creativity as well as diversity and inclusion turned into a trauma-triggering shitshow.”
