The Olivier Awards with Mastercard announces plans for 2017 campaign

The Olivier Awards with Mastercard, the UK’s most prestigious stage honour, have today announced exciting plans for 2017, including details of its “Be Inspired” campaign. The 2017 awards are set to be the biggest yet, as they make their debut at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 9 April.

Mastercard has renewed its headline sponsorship of the awards for a further three years. Since 2011, Mastercard and the Society of London Theatre have worked in partnership to raise the profile of the Olivier Awards and firmly establish London’s status as a centre of theatrical excellence.

Through this partnership Mastercard will continue to bring its cardholders with a passion for theatre closer to the genre they love. Throughout the year, cardholders can enjoy once-in-a-lifetime theatre experiences, from intimate Q&As with the stars of the stage, to the chance to sit with the nominees at The Olivier Awards, allowing them to experience the drama, passion and excitement of the theatre up close.

In the UK, ITV and Magic Radio will be the official broadcast partners. Internationally, the show will be broadcast on-line. Full broadcast details and timings will be announced nearer the date of the awards.

Additionally, the Oliviers have announced that, for the first time ever, there will be a new innovative broadcast show of the red carpet which will be carried live across the world. With the support of Facebook, people will be able to follow all the action from the red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall with interviews and exclusive content. Red carpet coverage will begin at 16:30 (GMT).

This year, the Olivier Awards’ campaign will focus on theatre’s ability to inspire under the banner of “Be Inspired”. The awards are looking for six “Be Inspired Champions” who, whether working in the industry or members of the public, have motivated others with their love and commitment to theatre. Those chosen will be invited to the ceremony and be presented with their “Be Inspired” plaque during the red carpet live show. The campaign will be supported by Magic Radio who will be creating interviews with various industry figures and stars discussing those people who inspired a love of theatre in them. Nominations can be submitted via olivierawards.com and the campaign will launch on Magic Radio from Monday 30 January.