Phantom of the Opera sequel Love Never Dies is up for seven awards, including best new musical Many of the leading lights of the stage community are expected at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane later for the 2011 Laurence Olivier Awards.
Singer Michael Ball and actress Imelda Staunton will host the ceremony, to be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2.
Barry Manilow will sing at the event, which will feature performances from some of the nominated musicals as well as “some very special surprises”.
Phantom of the Opera sequel Love Never Dies leads the pack with seven nods.
The Andrew Lloyd Webber show is up for best new musical, while its stars Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess and Summer Strallen are all in line for acting prizes.
The National Theatre has the most nominations for its productions – 17 in all – while the Royal Court and Donmar Warehouse have nine apiece.
Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Everett, Amanda Holden and Sir Patrick Stewart are among the stars set to present awards at the gala.
Others include American TV stars Elisabeth Moss and Matthew Fox, both currently starring in the West End.
US composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim will receive a special prize in recognition of his contribution to London theatre.
Presented annually by the Society of London Theatre, the awards are decided by a panel made up of industry professionals and members of the public.
Full TV coverage of this year’s event can be accessed via the BBC Red Button.
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