There can be only one winner of this one – step forward Dame Angela Lansbury. Taking to the stage with effortless grace, she brought the entire Opera House to their feet for a rousing ovation that lasted a good few minutes. And rather than look embarrassed, or over-modest, she accepted it with a large and heartfelt grin. When she was finally allowed to speak, she said, "I'm infinitely grateful to have this baby in my hands, you cannot imagine." Class act.
Lan, artistic director of the Young Vic, which won four awards, said during his acceptance speech for Best Revival for A View From the Bridge that he was proud to be artistic director of "the best theatre in Waterloo". On a night when the Old Vic's Kevin Spacey received a Special Award and the National was left empty handed, that was pointed.
Best clap-a-long – the cast of Sunny Afternoon
Rattle yer jewellry: Sunny Afternoon's Joe Penhall, Ray Davies, John Dagleish and George Maguire
The night's biggest winner put in a stonkingly good performance of "Lola" and "You Really Got Me" that had the celebrity audience clapping like seals at the zoo. Looking around the auditorium it was particularly heartening to see Ray Davies himself beaming from ear-to-ear, as well as Queen legend Brian May bopping his considerable barnet.
Henry, who did a solid job at the often thankless task of hosting (just ask Neil Patrick Harris), made a wry comment in the wake of a performance by Audience Award winner Wicked's Emma Hatton: "Talk about diversity in theatre – that chick's green!" Take a bow.
Best Jennifer Lawrence impression – Tanya Moodie
An awards show wouldn't be complete without someone taking a tumble, and this year's unlucky fall girl was actress Tanya Moodie, nominated for her outstanding performances in Intimate Apparel and The House That Will Not Stand. Those of a squeamish disposition should look away now…
The Memphis choreographer gave one of the evening's most touching speeches, including a shout out to those watching from his hometown in Colombia, which he impressively knew was "8,400km away from London". His message to them? "That this journey is possible."
Most of the guest presenters, who also included Pixie Lott, Chiwitel Ejiofor and Dianna Agron, said a cursory 'hello' before pressing on with the shortlists. But Ugly Betty star Urie broke the mould with a mini stand-up set, culminating in a joke about how American actors performing in London (as Urie is currently in Buyer and Cellar) had to trade places with a British actor of equal standing going to Broadway. Cue punchline: "I'm delighted to give Helen Mirren her big break."
The Queen legend sported a pair of wraparound shades throughout the ceremony due to recent laser eye surgery, befitting his rock idol status. Plus, with rumours of a heatwave on the horizon, he's clearly well prepared.
Having been nominated five times previously, Penelope Wilton finally got her hands on an 'Larry' last night, and celebrated by asking her hunky guest presenter Chiwetel Ejiofor for a kiss. "It was lovely," she revealed coquettishly.
Filing up the red carpet last night, few of the Oliviers attendees can have expected that the night would climax in a soulful rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" sung by Kevin Spacey in tribute to the Old Vic. And that wasn't all. He was backed by the 90-strong Arts Educational Choir, accompanied by Beverley Knight, and topped it off by producing a harmonica from his pocket and jamming away like Dylan. Odd? Slightly. But as show-closers go, it will be hard to top.
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London | London's West End
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