Matilda, Guvnors & Ladykillers lead the field at 2012 Oliviers

The nominations were announced today (15 March 2012) in a lunchtime event at the May Fair Hotel,
presented by 2011 Olivier Awards Best Actress winner Nancy Carroll and
Best Actor Roger Allam.

The Royal Shakespeare Company production of Matilda is top of the class with ten nominations – the most it was eligible for – including Best Actress for all four young actresses who play the title role (who were also nominated at the Whatsonstage.com Awards).

Amongst other musical theatre productions Ghost The Musical claimed five nominations while London Road, Shrek The Musical and Singin’ in the Rain all have four.

Comedies One Man, Two Guvnors and The Ladykillers receive five nominations apiece, including a Best Actor nod for James Corden, who is currently reprising his Whatsonstage.com Award-winning Guvnors performance on Broadway, and Best Actress for Ladykillers star Marcia Warren.

Among the other names vying for the acting honours are Lesley Manville, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ruth Wilson, Douglas Hodge and Jude Law.

As at the Evening Standard Awards, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller receive a joint nomination for their alternating performances in Danny Boyle‘s production of Frankenstein at the National Theatre.

Mark Rubinstein, president of the Society of London Theatre said: “We are thrilled to announce the incredibly talented list of nominees for the Olivier Awards 2012 with MasterCard. It is truly representative of our diverse world-class London theatre across both the commercial and subsidised sectors, which continues to delight thousands of Londoners and visitors every day.”

The National Theatre has had another good year, claiming 14 nominations in total, while the Donmar Warehouse also has a strong showing with six (including Best Actor nominations for both Jude Law and Douglas Hodge). The Royal Court claimed two nominations: Best New Play for Jumpy and Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for The Village Bike.

Winners will be announced at the Olivier Awards Ceremony held at the Royal Opera House on Sunday 15 April 2012 hosted by Sweeney Todd stars Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton. The BBC will be giving the awards extensive live coverage on television (via the Red Button), on Radio 2 and online, with red carpet coverage from 5.30pm and the Ceremony starting at 6pm.

Click here to view the full 2012 Olivier Awards shortlists