Barry Manilow and Kerry Ellis perform at the 2011 Olivier Awards with Mastercard Ceremony hosted by Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball

The Olivier Awards with Mastercard are not only world-renowned, they’re the most sought-after and highly regarded accolade in British theatre. The awards have always marked true theatrical greatness and celebrated excellence in the industry. However, they have not always been how we know them today.

In 1976, the Society of West End Theatre (now known as the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) created an eponymous awards ceremony to celebrate the very best performers and creatives in the West End. Among the winners were Alan Howard, Peggy Ashcroft, Penelope Keith and Jonathan Miller.

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