The Laurence Olivier Awards, previously known as The Society of West End Theatre Awards, were renamed in honour of British actor Laurence Olivier, Baron Olivier in 1984, having first been established in 1976.

The awards are organised by The Society of West End Theatre in London.

Awards

The following list shows the winners in the principal categories since 2000. See the link to the official site below for other categories and earlier years.

Best new play

2005 - The History Boys by Alan Bennett

2004 - The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh

2003 - Vincent in Brixton by Nicholas Wright

2002 - Jitney by August Wilson

2001 - Blue/Orange by Joe Penhall

2000 - Goodnight Children Everywhere by Richard Nelson

Best actor

2005 - Richard Griffiths for The History Boys

2004 - Matthew Kelly for Of Mice and Men

2003 - Simon Russell Beale for Uncle Vanya

2002 - Roger Allam for Privates on Parade

2001 - Conleth Hill for Stones in his Pockets

2000 - Henry Goodman for The Merchant of Venice

Best actress

2005 - Clare Higgins for Hecuba

2004 - Eileen Atkins for Honour

2003 - Clare Higgins for Vincent in Brixton

2002 - Lindsay Duncan for Private Lives

2001 - Julie Walters for All My Sons

2000 - Janine Dee for Comic Potential

Internal links

West End Theatre

Evening Standard Awards - a rival prize ceremony

London Critics' Circle Theatre Awards - another rival prize ceremony

External link

• Official web site