Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre - Predictions for the Olivier Awards 2025 with Aaron James

Episode Information

• Title: MickeyJoTheatre
• Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey-Jo)
• Guest: Aaron James
• Episode Title: Mickey-Jo predicts the Olivier Awards 2025 nominations with Aeron James
• Release Date: February 28, 2025
• Description: Mickey-Jo and Aaron James delve into their predictions for the 2025 Laurence Olivier Awards, discussing potential nominees across various categories, from Best New Musical to creative achievements in theatre.

Introduction to the Olivier Awards

The episode kicks off with Mickey-Jo and Aaron James expressing their excitement and anxiety over predicting the Olivier Awards nominations. They highlight the significance of the awards as the British equivalent of the Tony Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in West End theatre.

• Mickey Jo [00:09]: "It is time for the Olivier Awards 2025."
• Aaron James [00:12]: "This is always that nerve-wracking video when we have to kind of go, we have to commit to what we think is going to happen."

They mention the upcoming ceremony on April 6, 2025, hosted by Beverly Knight and Billy Porter, setting the stage for their detailed predictions.

Understanding Eligibility

A crucial part of their discussion revolves around the eligibility criteria for the Olivier Awards. They explain that only theatres with membership in the Society of London Theatre are eligible, such as the Donmar and Almeida. Productions like the Producers Revival fall into the affiliate category and are not eligible for main categories.

• Mickey Jo [01:53]: "They have to be a part of the Society of London Theatre membership theatres."
• Aaron James [01:27]: "Like the Donmar and the Almeida are eligible in the main categories because they pay to be entered in the main categories."

They also touch upon the cutoff date for productions, February 14, 2025, noting that some shows may straddle eligibility periods, leading to potential surprises in nominations.

Best New Musical

The hosts delve into their predictions for the Best New Musical category, identifying major contenders and discussing the balance between new British musicals and commercial heavyweights.

• Aaron James [04:34]: "Let's start with Best New Musical."
• Mickey Jo [05:06]: "There are a handful of other new British musicals... Cathy and Stella, Solve a Murder..."

Predicted Nominees:

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
2. Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
3. Hello Dolly
4. MJ the Musical
5. Mean Girls

They anticipate strong showings from both critically acclaimed productions and commercially successful musicals, with special mentions for "Mean Girls" securing the fifth spot.

Best New Play

Moving to Best New Play, Mickey-Jo and Aaron examine recent transfers of significant plays and their eligibility. They predict nominations based on critical reception and the impact of performances.

• Mickey Jo [07:22]: "It feels like a lot of these have opened really recently or have sort of announced transfers recently."

Predicted Nominees:

1. The Years
2. Kyoto
3. Giant
4. Oedipus

They also discuss potential inclusions like "Slave Play" and the complexities of categorizing ensemble casts.

Musical Revivals

The discussion shifts to musical revivals, a prominent category this year with several high-profile productions.

• Mickey Jo [09:29]: "This has been a big year for musical revivals."

Predicted Nominees:

1. Oliver! (Gielgud Theatre)
2. Starlight Express (Troubadour Theatre)
3. Hello Dolly (London Palladium)
4. Fiddler on the Roof (Regent's Park)

They consider the artistic and commercial success of these revivals, noting their strong chances for multiple nominations.

Leading Performances in Musicals

Focusing on individual performances, Mickey-Jo and Aaron predict nominees for leading actors and actresses in musicals, highlighting standout performances.

• Mickey Jo [15:10]: "I dare say there's been a year in the past that it has been five."

Leading Actress in a Musical:

1. Imelda Staunton for "Hello Dolly"
   • Mickey Jo [15:59]: "She's probably gonna win. It's too early to have that conversation, but she is most certainly she will be nominated."
2. Stephanie J. Block for "Kiss Me Kate"
3. Claire Foster for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
4. Georgina Castle for "Mean Girls"

Leading Actor in a Musical:

1. John Daglish for "MJ the Musical"
2. Simon Lipkin for "Oliver!"
3. Jeevan Brech for "Starlight Express"
4. Miles Frost for his performance in "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812"

Leading Performances in Plays

In the dramatic categories, predictions focus on intense and critically acclaimed performances.

Leading Actor in a Play:

1. John Lithgow for "Giant"
2. Mark Strong for "Oedipus"
3. Stephen Kunken for "Kyoto"
4. Adrien Brody (anticipated nomination)

Leading Actress in a Play:

1. Lesley Manville for "Oedipus"
2. Sharna Clarke for "Death of a Salesman"
3. Sinead Cleary for "Mackinac"
4. Susan Wakoma Eaglesanta for "The Real Thing"

Supporting Performances and Creative Categories

The hosts also explore supporting roles and creative achievements, recognizing the ensemble casts and technical excellence.

Supporting Actress in a Musical:

1. Jenna Russell
2. Mimuna Menon for "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812"
3. Amy de Bartolomeo for "The Devil Wears Prada"
4. Shanae Holmes for "Oliver!"
5. Jamie Moscato for "Starlight Express"

Supporting Actor in a Play:

1. Jorge Bosch for "Kyoto"
2. Elliot Levy for "Giant"
3. Patrick Vale for "Elektra"
4. Fisio for "Slave Play"

Creative Categories:

• Set Design: "Spirited Away," "Starlight Express," "Oliver!," and "Kyoto"
• Choreography: "MJ the Musical," "Hello Dolly," and "Starlight Express"
• Costume Design: "Spirited Away," "Starlight Express," "Oliver!," and "Hello Dolly"
• Sound Design: "Starlight Express," "Elektra," "Inside Number 9," and "Kyoto"

Anticipated Outcomes and Surprises

Mickey-Jo and Aaron express their openness to surprises, acknowledging the unpredictability of the Olivier Awards and the possibility of unexpected nominations.

• Mickey Jo [42:52]: "Ensure at least one huge surprise."

They encourage listeners to share their predictions and engage in discussions as the nominations are announced on March 4th.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating their predictions and expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming nominations and ceremony. They invite listeners to tune in for live reactions and further coverage as the awards draw closer.

• Mickey Jo [43:54]: "Make sure we will know the date before then. And I will put up a live stream in advance..."

They emphasize the community aspect of theatre criticism and their eagerness to engage with their audience’s thoughts and opinions.

Notable Quotes:

• Mickey Jo [15:59]: "She's probably gonna win. It's too early to have that conversation, but she is most certainly she will be nominated."
• Aaron James [04:34]: "Let's start with Best New Musical."
• Mickey Jo [42:52]: "Ensure at least one huge surprise."

Timestamp Highlights:

• 00:00 - 02:43: Introduction and eligibility criteria
• 04:34 - 07:05: Best New Musical predictions
• 07:22 - 12:16: Best New Play predictions
• 09:29 - 10:59: Musical revivals overview
• 15:10 - 20:59: Leading performances in musicals
• 21:06 - 25:54: Leading performances in plays
• 26:05 - 35:28: Supporting performances and creative categories
• 35:52 - 43:54: Final predictions and conclusion

This comprehensive discussion offers insights into the thought process behind award nominations, the balance between critical acclaim and commercial success, and the ever-present potential for unexpected outcomes in the world of theatre awards.