On March 10, the Special Recognition Olivier Awards were presented. Among the Special Recognition recipients was Linford Hudson, or Mr. Follow Spot, who has worked at West End venue, the London Palladium, for 50 years. Since acquiring the job at only 15, just two months after arriving in London from Jamaica, he has lit 41 Royal Variety performances and oversaw some of its first color TV broadcasts. Regarded as the best Follow Spot Operator in the business, he has lit legends such as Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Bette Midler, and helped light Princess Diana’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.
On April 7, the 2019 Laurence Olivier Awards, recognizing excellence in professional theatre in London, were presented at Royal Albert Hall.
Below are the design winners:
Best Set Design
- Bunny Christie, Company
Best Lighting Design
- Jon Clark, The Inheritance
Best Sound Design
- Gareth Owen, Come From Away
Best Costume Design
- Catherine Zuber, The King And I