Rachel Zegler on Olivier win: 'I could not have done this without such a brilliant alternate'

Rachel Zegler won her first Olivier Award last night, 12 April.

She picked up the coveted Best Actress in a Musical prize for her West End debut in Evita. Coincidentally, it was on the same night that Elaine Paige was presented with a special award, after winning her first Olivier Award, too, playing Eva Perón.

Zegler laughed: “It didn’t occur to me that this was possible until the morning of my flight,” noting that her speech was written on hotel stationery.

First, the performer thanked the city of London for welcoming her with open arms, particularly those who she sang to each night on Argyll Street. “I can’t believe I got so lucky to sing [“Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”] to thousands of you. It’s so beautiful that Jamie Lloyd made such an accessible moment of theatre for people to walk by and witness something really cool.

“He is a genius to lead this titanic show. I would be nothing without you, and I adore you so very much.”

Earlier this year, Zegler picked up two WhatsOnStage Awards and returned to The London Palladium to perform in an anniversary concert of The Last Five Years, with a cast recording set for release later this month.

Zegler thanked a wealth of people including producer Michael Harrison, her mum and dad “who harvested [her] talents and passions and never thought that it was silly or out of reach,” her agent Adam, who she told to “push harder than he’s ever pushed for anything in his life,” the music team, the orchestra, choreographer Fabian Aloise and the dance captains, and dresser Dominique Hamilton.

She spent the time thanking Bella Brown, her “brilliant alternate” and friend, saying that she could not have done the show without her. “I am so thankful to you. I am so honoured to have witnessed your gift as an amazing Eva and an amazing Mistress in this show.”

Brown, who is currently starring in Into the Woods at the Bridge Theatre, performed the title role in Evita once a week and took over mid-show on one occasion.

Her date for the evening was co-star Mia Mullarkey, “You kept spirits high backstage in that show. You are everything to me. You are my guiding light.”

To the wider cast, she thanks the cast of Evita, including James Olivas and fellow nominee Diego Andres Rodriguez, saying, “I could not have done it without you, we move as one. I love you so much. I share this with you.”

Of the ensemble, she called them “the best the West End has ever seen,” elaborating, “You made me laugh at a three-hour show where I had very little water breaks, so I thank you.”

Crucially, Zegler reiterated, “this show is not possible without a billion people backstage.
If you see a crew member, you need to thank them.” She also gave a shout-out to her security, Danny, who she said “kept her safe enough to meet thousands of fans.” This gained huge applause in the auditorium.

Her final thanks, of course, were to writers Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (who celebrated two of his Evitas that evening), whom she really hopes she makes proud. And, of course, to Lenny, the best backstage dog.