Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night

Olivier Awards 2026: Highlights from a Night of Drama, Naps, and New Beginnings

Rachel Zegler’s Emotional Connection to Theatre History

The Olivier Awards 2026 were marked by heartfelt moments, including Rachel Zegler’s emotional journey as she claimed the best actress in a musical award for her role in *Evita*. Her win brought a poignant reflection when she spotted Elaine Page, the original Eva Perón from the 1978 debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical. “I’ve spent my life listening to her perform ‘Memory’ from *Cats*,” Zegler shared, expressing deep admiration. She also emphasized the surreal nature of the evening, remarking on the surprise of seeing well-known figures applaud her as she accepted her trophy.

“For every good thing, there are so many bad things, but remember that the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more,” she added, offering wisdom to aspiring performers.

Brian Cranston’s Exhausting Two-Show Routine

For theatre professionals, juggling two performances daily is routine, but for Breaking Bad star Brian Cranston, it was a unique challenge. As the leading man in the West End revival of *All My Sons*, he described the grueling schedule of 115 shows across Wednesdays and Saturdays. “When we had two shows a day, I had to conserve energy like a monk,” he said, explaining his method of staying in the theatre, eating soup, and napping between acts. “I’d say my little prayer, go to bed, take a nap, and then prepare for the next show—this is my life,” he joked.

“You don’t approach the role any differently, but you look for the reasons behind your character’s actions to fully embody them,” Cranston explained, highlighting his preparation process.

Rosamund Pike’s Return to the West End and Passion for F1

Rosamund Pike’s triumphant comeback to West End theatre after 14 years was a standout moment, as she won the best actress award for her role in *Inter Alia*. “The excitement of performing in a new play is unmatched,” she told the BBC, comparing the thrill to her experience landing the *Gone Girl* role. She also revealed an unexpected passion for Formula 1, noting that her podcast for BBC Radio 5 Live on the sport resonates with her love for storytelling. “F1 teams and their global movement feel like a theatrical family,” she mused, linking the high-octane world of motorsports to her craft.

“I’m quite a shy person, so being nominated for awards can be intimidating,” Pike confessed, admitting her reservations about public recognition.

Paddington The Musical’s Seven Awards and Creative Roots

Paddington The Musical emerged as a major winner at the 2026 Oliviers, securing seven accolades, including best new musical. The composer, McFly’s Tom Fletcher, credited his family for their role in shaping the project. “My wife, Giovanna, and sister, Carrie, both West End performers, were vital to the creative process,” he said, joking that a “Fletcher family album” of Paddington might exist due to their involvement in early demos. Fletcher also shared the pressure of balancing his family’s expectations with the demands of the musical. “Looking after Paddington while making it special for my sons was a dream,” he remarked, highlighting the joy of contributing to a show that celebrates kindness.