UK theatre wins big at the Tony Awards once again

British theatre productions and creatives were recognised across multiple categories at this year’s Tony Awards, with UK-originated work winning a raft of awards.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which premiered in London, was the most awarded play of the evening. The production received accolades for Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play, and Best Sound Design of a Play. It also received a Special Tony Award for its illusions and technical effects. Produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman, the production previously won Best New Play at the WhatsOnStage Awards, and the Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy at the Olivier Awards. Eureka Day, previously co-produced by Friedman at the Old Vic, was also named Best Revival of a Play.

Jamie Lloyd’s seven-time WhatsOnStage Award-winning production of Sunset Boulevard won Best Revival of a Musical. Nicole Scherzinger was named Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role as Norma Desmond. The production also received Best Lighting Design of a Musical. Originally staged at the Savoy Theatre, the revival was produced by The Jamie Lloyd Company, ATG Productions, Michael Harrison and Gavin Kalin.

Want an in-depth take on the state of Broadway? Listen to our exclusive interview with Sonia Friedman (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Eureka Day, The Hills of California) here:

Operation Mincemeat, which originated at the New Diorama Theatre before transferring to the West End, earned Jak Malone the award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, following his Olivier win earlier this year.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, which transferred to Broadway from the Theatre Royal Haymarket, received two awards: Best Leading Actress in a Play for Sarah Snook and Best Costume Design of a Play. The production was developed by Sydney Theatre Company and won the same awards at the Olivier Awards last year.

British creatives also picked up prizes: Jonathan Deans won Best Sound Design of a Musical for Buena Vista Social Club. He has previously worked with the Royal Ballet and Opera and across the West End. George Reeve, known for his video and projection design work in the West End, won Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending, shared with Dane Laffrey.

The awards haul was celebrated by SOLT and UK Theatre Co-CEO Claire Walker, who said: “This year’s Tony Awards have been a brilliant showcase for the creativity and talent that make the UK a global leader in theatre. We are delighted to see so many shows produced and developed in the UK find a home on Broadway. Congratulations to our colleagues at the Broadway League and the American Theater Wing for hosting such a wonderful celebration of theatre and to all of the winners and nominees.”

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