Podcast Summary: "Who will win at the Olivier Awards? | Predicting the 2024 West End Theatre Awards ft Aeron James"
Release Date: April 13, 2024
Introduction
In the latest episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey-Jo and co-host Erin James dive into the upcoming 2024 Olivier Awards, analyzing and predicting potential winners across various categories. With a lively and engaging conversation, they explore the strengths and contenders of the year's West End productions, offering insights into the competitive landscape of British theatre.
Best Actor in a Musical
The episode kicks off with a discussion on the Best Actor in a Musical category. The nominees include:
- David Cumming for Operation Mincemeat
- Tom Francis for Sunset Boulevard
- Daniel Mays for Guys and Dolls
- Charlie Stemp for Crazy For You
Mickey Jo highlights the depth of talent this year, stating, “If there's someone who's really stood out, it has to be Charlie Stemp” (03:03). Both hosts agree that Charlie Stemp is a frontrunner, given his impressive performances in previous productions like Mary Poppins and his current role in Crazy For You. However, Mickey Jo remains open to potential upsets, suggesting Tom Francis as a possible dark horse due to his standout moments in Sunset Boulevard.
Best Leading Actress in a Musical
Moving to the Best Leading Actress in a Musical category, the nominees are:
- Natasha Hodgson for Operation Mincemeat
- Casey Levy for Next to Normal
- Nicole Scherzinger for Sunset Boulevard
- Marisha Wallace for Guys and Dolls
Erin James confidently predicts, “Nicole Scherzinger’s performance is phenomenal,” attributing her likely win to the show’s widespread acclaim (05:01). Mickey Jo concurs, emphasizing Nicole’s versatility and stage presence. The conversation touches on the possibility of a split vote, with Marisha Wallace and Casey Levy also receiving strong consideration for their nuanced performances.
Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play
The hosts tackle the Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play category, featuring:
- Accidental Death of an Anarchist
- Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends
- Stranger Things, the First Shadow
- Vardy vs. Rooney for Wake Up: for Christie Trial
Mickey Jo leans towards Stranger Things, the First Shadow, citing its spectacular stage execution as a key factor (07:01). Erin James agrees, noting the show's ability to captivate audiences with its technical prowess and storytelling.
Best Theatre Choreographer
In the Best Theatre Choreographer category, nominees include:
- Fabien Alouise for Sunset Boulevard
- Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf for Dear England
- Arlene Phillips with James Cousins for Guys and Dolls
- Mark Smith for The Little Big Things
- Susan Stroman for Crazy For You
Arlene Phillips emerges as a favorite due to her innovative choreography in the immersive production of Guys and Dolls (08:20). Both hosts appreciate the creativity and inclusivity in her work, though Susan Stroman's contributions in Crazy For You are also recognized.
Mithridate Award for Best Costume Design
The Mithridate Award for Best Costume Design features:
- Bunny Christie for Guys and Dolls
- Deborah Andrews for Guys and Dolls
- Ryan Dawson Late for Le Cage aux Folk at Reading's Park
- Hugh Durant for Peter Pan at the London Palladium
- Marg Horwell for The Picture of Doreen Gray at Theodore Haymarket
Mickey Jo and Erin James both predict Guys and Dolls will dominate this category, appreciating its stunning and innovative costume designs that align with the show's modern aesthetic (10:33).
Best Lighting Design
The nominations for Best Lighting Design include:
- John Clarke for Dear England
- John Clarke for Stranger Things, the First Shadow
- Paulie Constable for Guys and Dolls
- Jack Knowles for Sunset Boulevard
Both hosts agree that Jack Knowles' lighting design for Sunset Boulevard is a standout, enhancing the show's minimalistic set and dramatic moments (29:16).
Best Supporting Roles
Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
The contenders are:
- Jack Malone for Operation Mincemeat
- Cedric Neal for Guys and Dolls
- David Thian for Sunset Boulevard
- Jack Wolfe for Next to Normal
Mickey Jo and Erin James shortlist Jack Malone and Jack Wolfe as the leading candidates, with Malone's performance in Operation Mincemeat being particularly impactful (22:03).
Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Play
Nominees include:
- Laura Donnelly for The Hills of California
- Sofia Okonedo for Medea
- Sarah Jessica Parker for Plaza Suite
- Sheridan Smith for Shirley Valentine
- Sarah Snook for The Picture of Dorian Gray
The discussion leans towards Laura Donnelly for her compelling portrayal in The Hills of California, though Sarah Snook and Sheridan Smith are also highly praised for their demanding roles (37:35).
Best Director
The Best Director nominees are:
- Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin for Stranger Things, the First Shadow
- Rupert Gold for Dear England
- Jamie Lloyd for Sunset Boulevard
- Sam Mendes for The Motive and The Cue
Mickey Jo and Erin James predict Jamie Lloyd will secure the win, highlighting his visionary direction in Sunset Boulevard (34:27).
MasterCard Award for Best New Musical
The nominees for Best New Musical are:
- The Little Big Things by Nick Butcher, Tom Ling, and Joe White
- Next to Normal by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey
- Operation Mincemeat by David Cumming, Felix Hargan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoe Roberts
- A Strange Loop by Michael R. Jackson
Erin James advocates for A Strange Loop due to its groundbreaking narrative and composition, while Mickey Jo favors Operation Mincemeat for its sustained momentum and widespread acclaim (43:33). Despite their differing opinions, both acknowledge the significant contributions of each musical to the theatre landscape.
Best New Play (Londoner Award)
The Best New Play contenders are:
- Dear England by James Grant
- The Hills of California by Jez Butterworth
- The Motive and The Cue by Jack Thorne
- Till the Stars Come Down by Beth Steele
Mickey Jo and Erin James unanimously predict Dear England will win, recognizing its innovative approach and ability to attract a diverse audience base by bridging football fandom with theatre enthusiasts (40:20).
Conclusion and Final Predictions
As the episode wraps up, Mickey Jo and Erin James reflect on their predictions, noting areas of agreement and disagreement. They emphasize the unpredictability of the awards and encourage listeners to share their own predictions in the comments. The hosts also tease an upcoming Olivier Awards recap video, promising detailed coverage and personal insights from the ceremony.
Mickey Jo concludes with enthusiasm, “Make sure you're subscribed for this post Olivier Awards recap video because there are scores to settle here” (40:37).
Notable Quotes
- Mickey Jo: “If there's someone who's really stood out, it has to be Charlie Stemp.” (03:03)
- Erin James: “Nicole Scherzinger’s performance is phenomenal.” (05:01)
- Mickey Jo: “Guys and Dolls is the closest this category has to a juggernaut.” (10:54)
- Erin James: “The star of that production was the lighting design.” (29:43)
- Mickey Jo: “Make sure you're subscribed for this post Olivier Awards recap video because there are scores to settle here.” (40:37)
Final Thoughts
This episode of MickeyJoTheatre offers an in-depth analysis of the 2024 Olivier Awards, showcasing the hosts' expertise and passion for theatre. Their engaging dialogue provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the contenders, enriched by thoughtful predictions and critical insights. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre enthusiast or new to the West End scene, this episode delivers valuable content and a vibrant discussion on one of theatre’s most prestigious award ceremonies.
Time Stamps Reference:
Note: Time stamps correspond to the transcript sections.