Olivier Awards announces winners of special prizes ahead of April ceremony

The Olivier Awards with Cunard have announced the recipients of this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Dance, Outstanding Contribution to Opera and Industry Recognition Awards, ahead of the ceremony’s 50th anniversary celebrations in April.

Choreographer and director Wayne McGregor will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Dance Award. McGregor has worked across dance, technology and science for more than three decades and is recognised for his long association with the Royal Ballet, where he has served as resident choreographer since 2006. In a statement, he said he was “deeply honoured and truly grateful” to receive the recognition, adding that his work has been shaped by the collaborators who have supported his projects over the years.

Soprano Danielle De Niese will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Opera Award. De Niese began her career as a television host before making her Broadway debut in Les Misérables at the age of 18 and going on to establish an international opera career. She said opera has been central to her musical life since childhood and described the award as “a tremendous honour”.

The Industry Recognition Awards, presented by the Society of London Theatre, will go to three figures recognised for their work behind the scenes and in theatre education.

Betty Laine, founder and Principal Emerita of Laine Theatre Arts, is honoured for her role in training performers over several decades.

Linda Tolhurst is recognised for more than 50 years of service at the National Theatre, including 46 years as Stage Door Keeper.

Playwright David Wood is also recognised for his contribution to children’s theatre, including stage adaptations of works by authors such as Roald Dahl and Floella Benjamin.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony at the Londoner Hotel on 20 March, with the recipients also attending the Olivier Awards on 12 April, which will be broadcast on the BBC.

McGregor and De Niese will also present the awards for Best New Dance Production and Best New Opera Production, respectively, on the night.