BBC announces Olivier Awards broadcast plans

The BBC has announced broadcast plans for the 2026 Olivier Awards.

The event, presented with Cunard, will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, 12 April and will be broadcast on BBC television and radio. The list of performances and presenters was also revealed today.

A two-hour BBC special will run on BBC 2 and iPlayer from 7pm to 9pm, while over on BBC Radio 2, Jo Whiley will present a two-hour special with “VIP backstage access” from 8pm to 10pm, covering Elaine Paige on Sunday (presumably while Paige is honoured at the event). Viewers outside of the UK can tune into Official London Theatre’s YouTube channel to watch the highlights programme from 7pm BST.

It marks the 50th anniversary of the ceremony. The Olivier Awards were established in 1976 to recognise achievement in London theatre.

WhatsOnStage will be on the green carpet and beyond on Sunday – so stay tuned for all of our coverage!

See who’s set to perform and present on the night