The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Olivier Awards cancelled and TV Baftas postponed after outbreak
Bafta has postponed its annual television and TV craft awards and the Olivier Awards have been cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The TV awards were due to go ahead on May 17, while the craft awards, which celebrate technical achievement in television, were due to take place on April 26.
The Olivier Awards, which celebrate the theatre industry, were due to take place on April 5.
A statement from the Society Of London Theatre said: “Following the government’s new advice on social distancing yesterday, and the subsequent closing of many theatres and public venues, we no longer feel that it is feasible to host the ceremony that we had planned to deliver.
“As the Royal Albert Hall has announced closure until further notice, we have taken the difficult decision that the event will not be going ahead.
“The Society of London Theatre would like to thank all nominees,
“We are working through plans on how to properly honour and announce this year’s winners. STATEMENT FROM THE SOCIETY OF LONDON THEATRE
shows, producers, theatres, sponsors, suppliers and creatives for their ongoing support.
“We are working through plans on how to properly honour and announce this year’s winners, and will release further information soon.
“All tickets will be refunded, and the Royal Albert Hall will be in touch with ticket-holders, who are asked to be patient during this process.”
The nominations announcement for the TV Baftas will be delayed.
A statement from Bafta said: “Following the latest government advice on coronavirus (Covid-19), we regret to announce that the British Academy Television Craft Awards and Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards, originally scheduled for April 26 and May 17 respectively, will be postponed until later in the year.
“The announcement of the nominations, scheduled for March 26, will also be postponed until closer to the ceremony.”