It was an emotional ceremony
This year’s Olivier Awards paid tribute to many stars among them was the late Paul O’Grady.
The ceremony took place at London’s Albert Hall and was hosted by Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham. The annual event recognises the achievements of theatre and opera stars.
Although, it was a night for celebration, it was also a time for reflection and remembrance.
In the memorial segment of the ceremony, Paul O’Grady, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s son Nicholas, and Darius Campbell-Danesh were remembered.
Other famous faces honoured included Dame Angela Lansbury, Dame Hilary Mantel, Burt Bacharach, Bernard Cribbins, and Kay Mellor.
Attendees were left in tears at the tributes made during the In Memorial segment that had Seasons Of Love from Rent being sang in the background.
Paul O’Grady died suddenly last Tuesday at the age of just 67. It was a huge shock to many and heartfelt messages are still poring in to honour the late comedian.
His husband Andre Portasio, confirmed the news last week saying at the time: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.”
It was since revealed that the Blind Date host died peacefully in his own bed.
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Guests were in tears..
Lord Loyd Webber confirmed that his 43-year-old son had died following a gastric cancer battle.
The 75-year-old Oscar-winning composer shared the news on Twitter and wrote: “I am shattered to have to announce that my beloved elder son Nick died a few hours ago in Basingstoke Hospital.
“His whole family is gathered together and we are all totally bereft.”
Pop Idol favourite Danesh Campbell died last August at the age of 41.
An autopsy report revealed that the singer died accidentally as the result of ‘toxic effects of chloroethane’ which had been inhaled.
Elsewhere at this year’s Olivier Awards, Paul Mescal and Jodie Comer won big.
The Normal People star won best actor for his role as Stanley Kowalski in the new stage adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire.
The Killing Eve alum scooped best actress for playing Tessa in one-woman show, Prima Facie.
