‘Remain resilient’, duchess urges actors

LONDON: Britain’s Duchess of Cornwall urged theatre actors to stay strong in the face of pandemic adversity as she presented lyricist Don Black with the Special Olivier Award at a virtual ceremony on Sunday evening (UK time).

‘‘I should like to thank those of you whose profession is in the theatre for your determination and your flexibility,’’she said. ‘‘Please remain resilient — we need you and we have missed you.’’

London’s theatres have been able to open to socially distanced audiences since midAugust, but only a handful have done so.

Black received his award for a body of work including the

James Bond theme songs he cowrote with composer John Barry for Thunderball and Diamonds Are Forever.

Among other award recipients, Sir Ian McKellen was recognised for his 80th birthday solo tour, while Sharon D. Clarke was named best actress.

Clarke won for her performance in the Young Vic theatre’s production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, while best actor was Andrew Scott in Noel Coward’s Present Laughter at the Old Vic.

Dear Evan Hansen, the story of a lonely student who fabricates a friendship with a dead boy, won the best new musical award.

The Jamie Lloyd Company won best revival for its production of Cyrano De Bergerac at the Playhouse Theatre.

McKellen’s oneman touring show earned him his seventh Olivier award.

Another repeat winner was Matthew Bourne, who collected his ninth. He won best theatre choreographer alongside Stephen Mear for Mary Poppins.

Established in 1976, the awards are Britain’s most prestigious stage honours. — Reuters