Olivier Awards Planning 'Major Relaunch'

The most important event in the UK's theatrical calendar, the presentation of the 35th Laurence Olivier Awards, will take place at the historic Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on Sunday 13 March 2011. The Awards, which are undergoing a major relaunch, will receive extensive coverage on TV, radio and online, and promise to be a glittering night to celebrate London's outstanding creativity on stage.

The full list of nominations for the Awards and details of a major new sponsor will be announced at a press briefing on Monday 7 February. The annual Olivier Nominees Lunch will take place at the Haymarket Hotel on Tuesday 22 February.

Established over 30 years ago, the Laurence Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London's theatre and are Britain's most prestigious stage honours. They are attended by interNational Theatre and film stars, and are broadcast to audiences in many countries around the world. With a stellar line-up of presenters, this year's Awards Ceremony will comprise unique theatrical entertainment created especially for the occasion, backed by the BBC Concert Orchestra performing live on stage.

The awards include 24 categories: 18 for theatre, two for opera, two for dance, one for productions presented by the Society of London Theatre's Affiliate members, and the Audience Award for the Most Popular Show. The Audience Award is decided entirely by members of the public and this year is again presented by BBC Radio 2. The Awards' shortlist and winners are selected by a panel comprising theatre professionals and public theatregoers who spend their year attending every show eligible for an Award to ensure the best of London theatre is recognised.

For more information please go to www.OlivierAwards.co.uk

The Society of London Theatre is the trade association which represents the producers, theatre owners and managers of the 52 major commercial and grant-aided theatres in central London. The organisation exists in order to promote theatregoing, develop audiences, and to serve, protect and promote the interests of those engaged in theatre across London, through activities including The Laurence Olivier Awards, tkts ticket booth, the Official London Theatre guide, Theatre tokens and the annual promotions Kids Week in the West End and Get into London Theatre.