Nick Mohammed has been named host of this year’s Olivier Awards, which will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall next month.
The comedian, writer and actor, who recently found a new fan base as a Celebrity Traitors finalist, will follow in the footsteps of his Ted Lasso co-star Hannah Waddingham, who hosted the Oliviers in 2023 and 2024. Last year, they were co-hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the awards, which recognize achievements in theatre, dance and opera.
“Welcoming the Oliviers on their 50th anniversary is not only a dream come true, but also an absolute honor and privilege,” said Mohammed. “I love it not only for the breadth of theatrical talent it celebrates, but also for the extraordinary variety of live performances it presents that same night. While I will try to stay backstage during these, I can’t promise that I won’t sing (at the top of my voice). But at least this time I won’t be on roller skates.”
It was on roller skates (and in a sparkly tuxedo) that Mohammed performed, in character as his squeaky-voiced alter ego, Mr Swallow, at the 2024 Bafta Awards. He also skated on stage in his show The Very Best and Worst of Mr Swallow.
Founded in 1976, the Olivier Awards are overseen by the Society of London Theatre. Winners are chosen by a team of industry figures, stage luminaries and theatre-loving audience members. Nominations will be revealed on Thursday. Last month it was announced that special awards will be given to choreographer Wayne McGregor (outstanding contribution to dance) and soprano Danielle De Niese (outstanding contribution to opera). Industry recognition awards will go to children’s playwright David Wood; Betty Laine, founder of Laine Theater Arts College; and Linda Tolhurst, gatekeeper at the National Theater for almost half a century.
The Oliviers ceremony will take place on April 12. Highlights will be broadcast that night by the BBC, which is embroiled in the fallout from its recent Bafta Awards broadcast, which edited out some of Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson’s tics but included him saying the N-word as Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took the stage. Alan Cumming, who presented the Baftas, said: “What should have been an evening celebrating creativity, as well as diversity and inclusion, turned into a trauma-inducing shit show.”
