Podcast Summary: "MickeyJoTheatre" – Episode: Who was snubbed by the OLIVIER AWARDS? | Shows, actors and creatives who should have been nominated

Host: Mickey Jo
Release Date: March 14, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey-Jo delves into the controversial topic of snubs in the 2025 Laurence Olivier Awards nominations. As a prominent voice in theatre criticism, Mickey-Jo examines the overlooked shows, actors, and creatives, providing his insights and inviting listeners to engage in the discussion.

Overview of the Episode

Mickey-Jo begins by expressing his excitement over the Olivier Award nominations and sets the stage for a critical analysis of the notable absences. Emphasizing the importance of recognizing outstanding work beyond award nominations, he outlines his approach to identifying the most significant snubs across various categories.

Discussion of Snubs by Category

1. Best New Musical

Nominations:

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
• M.J. the Musical
• Why Am I So Single

Snubs Highlighted:

• Mean Girls
  • “I was surprised not to see Mean Girls on the list.” [02:15]

Mickey-Jo praises the latest Mean Girls West End production, highlighting its polished cast and production quality. Despite winning the fan-voted What's On Stage Award for Best New Musical, it was notably absent from the Olivier nominations.

2. Best New Play

Nominations:

• The Fear of 13 at the Donmar Warehouse
• Shifters in the West End
• Kyoto at Soho Place
• Giant

Snubs Highlighted:

• Slave Play by Jeremy O. Harris
  • “Slave Play has to be at the very top of that list.” [05:30]

Mickey-Jo expresses surprise at the omission of Slave Play, a record-breaking Tony Award-nominated play, questioning whether differing cultural sensibilities influenced its reception in the UK.

3. Musical Revivals

Nominations:

• Fiddler on the Roof at Regent's Park
• Hello Dolly
• Oliver
• Starlight Express

Snubs Highlighted:

• Kiss Me Kate
  • “Given the cast and creative team, it should have been better than it was.” [08:45]
• Return of Jerusalem starring Mark Rylance at the Apollo Theatre
  • “People, Places and Things deserves recognition.” [09:10]

While acknowledging the strength of the nominated revivals, Mickey-Jo laments the exclusion of standout productions like Kiss Me Kate and Return of Jerusalem, advocating for clearer criteria in nomination processes.

4. Best Set Design

Nominations:

• Ballet Shoes
• Fiddler on the Roof
• Spirited Away
• Coriolanus at the National Theatre

Snubs Highlighted:

• Starlight Express – Design by Tim Hatley
  • “A really stunning, visually striking set.” [12:20]

Mickey-Jo commends the innovative set design of Starlight Express, emphasizing its complexity and the technical prowess required, yet notes its absence from the nominations.

5. Best Sound Design

Nominations:

• Ballet Shoes
• Fiddler on the Roof
• Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Snubs Highlighted:

• Starlight Express
  • “Astonished by the sound design in Starlight Express.” [15:05]

The host highlights the exceptional sound design of Starlight Express, particularly its use of Bluetooth technology to enhance performer-audience interaction, questioning why it wasn't recognized.

6. Best Costume Design

Nominations:

• Fiddler on the Roof
• Hello Dolly
• Starlight Express
• Robin Hood (Pantomime)
• Spirited Away

Snubs Highlighted:

• The Devil Wears Prada
  • “The costumes are very fashion forward and visually striking.” [18:30]
• Hello Dolly – Les Brotherstone
  • “Such beautiful, meaningful detail in the costuming.” [19:00]

Mickey-Jo underscores the artistic merit of The Devil Wears Prada and Hello Dolly's costume designs, suggesting they deserved nominations for their contribution to the productions' visual storytelling.

7. Best Director (Sir Peter Hall Award)

Nominations:

• Eline Arbo for The Years
• Robert Icke for Oedipus
• Nicholas Heitner for Giant
• Jordan Fine for Fiddler on the Roof

Snubs Highlighted:

• Sir Matthew Bourne for Oliver
  • “His direction is significantly stronger than his choreography.” [22:10]
• Stephen Daldrey and Justin Martin for Kyoto
  • “Masterful work deserving recognition.” [22:45]

The omission of influential directors like Sir Matthew Bourne and the directing duo of Kyoto is met with disappointment, highlighting their exceptional contributions to theatre.

8. Best Choreography

Nominations:

• Samantha for Ballet Shoes
• Matthew Bourne for Oliver
• Hoffesh Schechter for Oedipus
• Julia Chang for Fiddler on the Roof
• Christopher Wheeldon for M.J. the Musical

Snubs Highlighted:

• Ellen Kane for Why Am I So Single
  • “Witty, brilliant, smart, and just fun, fun to watch.” [25:15]

Mickey-Jo praises Ellen Kane's contemporary and vibrant choreography in Why Am I So Single, arguing it was a significant oversight not to receive a nomination.

9. Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Nominations:

• Kamisa Dawnford May for Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
• Imelda Staunton for Hello Dolly
• Lauren Drew for Titanique
• Claire Foster for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• Lara Pulver for Fiddler on the Roof

Snubs Highlighted:

• Stephanie J. Block for Kiss Me Kate
  • “This is not how we entice her to return to our country.” [28:50]
• Georgie Buckland and Vanessa Williams for Mean Girls

Mickey-Jo expresses particular disappointment over Stephanie J. Block's exclusion, emphasizing her exceptional performance despite mixed reviews of the show itself.

10. Best Supporting Actor in a Musical

Nominations:

• Tom Zander for Mean Girls
• Leighton Williams for Titanique
• Andy Nyman for Hello Dolly
• Raphael Papo for Fiddler on the Roof

Snubs Highlighted:

• Harry Heppel for Hello Dolly
  • “He was hugely charming and one of my favorite performances.” [31:30]

The host laments Harry Heppel's absence from the nominations, citing his captivating portrayal in Hello Dolly as a significant oversight.

Additional Snubs and Observations

• Non-Binary Performers: Mickey-Jo touches on the lack of recognition for non-binary performers within the gendered acting categories, highlighting the need for more inclusive award practices.

• Wigs, Hair, and Makeup: He criticizes the Olivier Awards for not having a dedicated category for wigs, hair, and makeup, despite their crucial role in productions.

• Video Design: The integration of screens and projections in modern theatre productions warrants consideration for their inclusion in award categories.

Conclusion

Mickey-Jo wraps up the episode by reiterating that the identified snubs are his personal opinions and encourages listeners to share their own perspectives on the overlooked nominations. He also teases upcoming content, including his predictions for the Olivier Awards winner, to be discussed alongside his fiancé, Aaron James.

Notable Quotes:

• “Who was snubbed when it came to the 2025 Laurence Olivier Award nominations? Oh, my God.” [00:10]
• “Awards aren't everything, and awards are also very finite.” [01:30]
• “Slave Play has to be at the very top of that list.” [05:30]
• “I was astonished by the sound design in Starlight Express.” [15:05]
• “We have done you wrong, Stephanie J. Block, and I apologize on behalf of the nation.” [29:20]

Engagement Invitation

Mickey-Jo invites listeners to comment with their own opinions on the snubs and to stay tuned for future episodes where he and Aaron James will predict and discuss the Olivier Awards outcomes.

Stay Connected:

• YouTube: MickeyJoTheatre
• Podcast Platforms: Available on all major streaming services

End of Summary