Tom Edden (Acting, 2000) has earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his outstanding performance in Waiting for Godot. Previously, he won a Drama Desk Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role and received a Tony Award nomination for portraying Alfie in the Broadway transfer of One Man, Two Guvnors.

Leading this year’s nominations, Fiddler on the Roof has secured 13 nods. This critically acclaimed production, which played to sold-out audiences at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in the summer of 2024, featured David Freedman (Acting, 1972) as The Rabbi.

Another standout production, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, has been nominated for Best New Musical. Several Rose Bruford College graduates performed in the show, including Anna Fordham (Actor Musicianship, 2016), Elliott MacKenzie (Actor Musicianship, 2018), and Damien James (Actor Musicianship, 2020), with Joey Hickman (Actor Musicianship, 2011) appearing in the original cast.

Paapa Essiedu is competing for Best Actor for his role in Death of England: Delroy, a play written by Roy Williams (Writing, 1995) with Clint Dyer.

Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright, by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, has received a nomination for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play. The production starred Bhav Joshi (Acting, 2017), while Ruby Webb (Stage Management, 2019) worked as Assistant Stage Manager.

Animal Farm at Theatre Royal Stratford East has been nominated for Best New Production in an Affiliate Theatre. The cast includes Davey Nellist (TA, 1991) as Benjamin and Tom Simper (Acting, 2012) as Squealer. Kane Husbands (European Theatre Arts, 2009) served as Movement Director.

Supporting the ceremony

Beyond the nominated productions, Rose Bruford College talent will play a key role in shaping the Olivier Awards 2025 ceremony. Ben Cracknell (Lighting Design, 2001) serves as Lighting Designer, Cy Dodimead (Lighting Design, 2000) takes on the role of Lighting Gaffer and Adam Hodgson (Creative Lighting Control, 2014) manages Lighting Systems and network.

The Olivier Awards 2025 will take place on Sunday, 6 April.