Potter takes the prizes... as Amanda steals the limelight
HARRY Potter And The Cursed Child cast a spell over the Olivier Awards last night as it won a record number of accolades.
On a balmy evening in central London, the West End smash hit swept the board, with Noma Dumezweni, who plays Hermione Granger, winning best supporting actress, and Jamie Parker, who plays the title role, taking best actor.
The production also won best director and best new play, among others. Its nine awards from 11 nominations trumped previous record holders Matilda and The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Nighttime by two awards.
The play, which will move to Broadway next spring, will be performed in a 1,500-seat theatre there and is sold out until December 2018.
While Harry Potter stole the show, Amanda Holden was determined to make some magic of her own as she swept onto the red carpet in a show-stopping ballgown.
The sunny yellow dress, which had a billowing train and an open back, was a departure from the 46year-old Britain’s Got Talent presenter’s usual revealing outfits.
Also celebrating success was Billie Piper, who was triumphant last night as she beat double Oscar-winner Glenda Jackson to the best actress award for her role in Yerma.
The 34-year-old looked elegant in a black strapless dress teamed with minimal make-up and a stylish gold and black clutch.
But just a few days earlier, the mother-of-two was a far cry from awards sophistication as she was pictured between takes in West London walking grubby socks and no shoes on Thursday as she filmed BBC One drama Collateral.
Also nominated for the best actress award was Ruth Wilson, who was given the nod for her role in Hedda Gabbler.
Setting a rather daring trend, the actress, 35, stepped out in the London sunshine in a completely sheer nude embroidered dress.