‘I won’t be on roller skates!’ Nick Mohammed to host Olivier awards in 50th anniversary year | Olivier awards
Nick Mohammed has been chosen as this year’s presenter of the Olivier awards, which will take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London next month.
The comedian, writer and actor, who recently found a new fan base as a Celebrity Traitors finalist, will follow in the footsteps of his Ted Lasso co-star Hannah Waddingham, presenting Oliviers in 2023 and 2024. Last year, the programs were hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the awards, which recognize achievements in the fields of theatre, dance and opera.
“Hosting the Olivers in their 50th anniversary is not only a dream come true, but also an absolute honor and privilege,” said Mohammed. “I love it not only for the breadth of theatrical talent it celebrates, but also for the extraordinary variety of live performances it puts on on the night. While I try to stay in the wings during these, I can’t promise I won’t be singing along (in full voice). But at least I won’t be on roller skates this time.”
Mohammed was seen taking to the stage on roller skates (and in a sparkling dinner jacket) at the 2024 Bafta awards as his high-pitched alter-ego Mr Swallow. He also appeared on stage in the show The Best and Worst of Mr. Swallow.
Olivier awards, established in 1976 London Theater Company. Winners are selected by a team of industry luminaries, stage stars and theatre-loving members of the public. The candidates will be announced on Thursday. Last month it was announced that special awards would be given to choreographer Wayne McGregor (outstanding contribution to dance) and soprano Danielle De Niese (outstanding contribution to opera). Industry recognition awards will go to children’s playwright David Wood; Betty Laine, founder of Laine College of Theater Arts; and Linda Tolhurst, who was a stage door keeper at the National Theater for almost half a century.
The Oliviers ceremony will take place on April 12. Highlights will be broadcast that evening by the BBC, which edited out some of Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson’s tics, but was confused by the effects of recent television coverage of the Bafta awards, which included him saying the N-word as Sinners actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo walked on stage. Baftas presenter Alan Cumming said: “What was supposed to be an evening celebrating diversity and inclusion, as well as creativity, turned into a trauma-inducing spectacle of farce.”
