Luxury cruise line Cunard is proud to announce a first-time partnership with the prestigious Olivier Awards to sponsor the award for Best Revival. This is an annual award presented by The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) in recognition of achievements in London theatre.
Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre. The ceremony, which takes place this year at the Royal Albert Hall in London on April 7, shines a spotlight on the finest theatre talent, performances and productions.
Taking the relationship from shore to ship, Cunard will co-create “London Theatre at Sea” with the Society of London Theatre to offer its newest event voyage on the brand’s signature Transatlantic Crossing on iconic ocean liner Queen Mary 2, May 13-20, 2020. Through this unique partnership guests sailing across the Atlantic will experience Olivier Award-winning talent, both on and off the stage, with a range of performances and insightful talks from the talent and producers.
During the week-long voyage, guests will be taken behind the scenes to explore the secrets and techniques of putting on a world-class show. This will include workshops with award-winning design teams and the opportunity to sing in the West End Choir.
“Cunard continues our commitment to provide excellence in onboard programming and we are thrilled to partner with the renowned Society of London Theatres to create a spectacular event voyage which will offer guests an immersive theatrical experience,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “We welcome guests to come sail on Queen Mary 2’s legendary transatlantic to experience this event cruise this coming May.”
Julian Bird, Chief Executive of Society of London Theatre/UK Theatre and Executive Producer of the Olivier Awards, added: “It is wonderful to welcome Cunard as our newest partner and we look forward to working with them in the lead up to the Olivier Awards and as we bring the London Theatre at Sea event voyage on board Queen Mary 2 to life.”
As part of its patronage of British theatre, Cunard has a unique, long-standing relationship with London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). One of the most famous acting schools in the English-speaking world, its alumni include Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes and Michael Sheen.
On selected Cunard voyages, RADA graduates perform adaptations of the classics as well as fun, small cameo plays. In the past, this has consisted of a compilation of Shakespeare’s most famous romantic scenes in plays such as Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream to a light-hearted Cunard trivia show. The RADA graduates also give workshops offering tips from acting to production.