Olivier Awards 2023: Paul Mescal and Jodie Comer triumph at the biggest night in UK theatre

Paul Mescal and Jodie Comer won their first Olivier Awards at the star-studded ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday.

Irish actor Paul, 27, triumphed for his powerful portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire following a sold-out performance at the Almeida Theatre.

During his speech, he thanked his loving mother Dearbhla, who is undergoing cancer treatment, before adding, “I hope you get better.”

Addressing the diagnosis herself on social media, her mother previously told followers she was beginning to “live with cancer” as she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which is a type of bone marrow cancer, in July 2022. .

Meanwhile, Killing Eve star Jodie, 30, triumphed, picking up the Best Actress award for her role in the prima facie play by a woman.

Big win: Paul Mescal (left) and Jodie Comer (right) won their first Olivier Awards at the star-studded ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday.

What a night! Irish actor Paul, 27, triumphed for his powerful portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire after sold-out tickets at the Almeida Theatre.

Love: During his speech he thanked his loving mother Dearbhla, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, before adding: “I hope you get better” (pictured together at this year’s BAFTAs)

During his speech, he told the star-studded audience: I am so overwhelmed. This work has changed my life. I am very grateful and I have many people to thank.’

‘To Suzie Miller for writing the most exquisite work I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.’

“One thing I’d like to say to any kid who hasn’t been to drama school, who can’t afford to go to drama school, who’s been turned down from drama school, don’t anybody tell them it’s like this is not possible

‘It may take the stars to align and you meet generous, kind and patient people, but it is possible.

“Mom, Dad, I love you, and my grandpa is 82 today, so happy birthday.”

The play, which follows the story of a brilliant lawyer who has risen from her working-class roots to the top of the profession before an unexpected event changes her life, also won Best New Play.

After receiving critical acclaim for her performance at the Harold Pinter Theatre, Jodie will take the play to Broadway later this month.

Before the ceremony, he told the PA news agency: ‘It’s unbelievable. I could never have dreamed of the response and reaction (to the play), it really feels like the audience has become as much a part of this as we have.

“It’s incredibly moving to be in the theater every night and feel everyone’s presence and shared energy, so I’m very excited, I feel very lucky to be able to visit again.”

Asked if he loved theater as much as TV and movies, Comer told PA: ‘Yeah, I’ve definitely got the itch now for sure.