The Society of London Theatre has announced that this year’s Olivier Awards has a new broadcast partner, with the awards returning to the BBC in a primetime slot, and on BBC Radio.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Olivier Awards will be announced at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday 12 April.
The awards ceremony will be produced for television by Penny Lane Entertainment. The BBC will also broadcast a special episode of Bargain Hunt featuring a cast of previous Olivier Award-nominated and winning contestants, and take a look behind the scenes at an iconic West End theatre.
Kash Bennett, President of the Society of London Theatre, said: “I am thrilled that the Olivier Awards are working with the BBC for our 50th anniversary and that Cunard, stalwart champions of London theatre, will be our Headline Partner. These prestigious partnerships enable us to shine a spotlight on the best of London theatre and the vitality of arts and culture.”
Suzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV, said: “As the leading cultural broadcaster in the UK, BBC Arts is committed to sharing world-class performances from across the country. We are delighted to be the official broadcast partner for the 2026 Olivier Awards, bringing the magic of theatre into homes across the nation as part of a rich season of arts programming on the BBC.”
The Olivier Awards has also announced that Cunard is coming on board as their new Headline Partner, replacing long-standing sponsor Mastercard, which first became a sponsor in 2011. Additionally, Cunard is also sponsoring the Cunard Best New Musical award.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said in a statement: “Cunard has long celebrated the very best in art, culture and exceptional entertainment experiences, and we are incredibly proud to be the Headline Partner of the Olivier Awards – the UK’s most prestigious stage honours. This partnership reflects our shared passion for outstanding performance, storytelling, and British heritage, both on land and at sea.”
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Olivier Awards, which were established in 1976 as the Society of West End Theatre Awards. Sir Laurence Olivier gave his name to the awards in 1984.
Last year’s 2025 Olivier Awards were hosted by Billy Porter (Cabaret) and Beverley Knight (Marie and Rosetta). Big winners of the night included Giant, which has scored three awards including Best New Play; Jordan Fein’s smash-hit production of Fiddler on the Roof, named Best Musical Revival; The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button winning Best New Musical; and Titanique scoring two awards, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.
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