Luxury cruise line Cunard is proud to announce that for the first time it will partner with the prestigious Olivier Awards to sponsor the award for Best Revival. This is an annual award presented by The Society of London Theater (SOLT) in recognition of achievements in London theater.
Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theater. The ceremony which takes place this year at the Royal Albert Hall on 7th April shines a spotlight on the finest theater talent, performances and productions.
Taking the relationship from shore to ship, Cunard will delve into its stage heritage to co-create with the Society of London Theater “London Theater at Sea”, its newest event voyage for the iconic Transatlantic Crossing on board the luxury ocean liner Queen Mary 2 in May 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 stars and creatives.
As the week-long event voyage progresses, guests will also 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 on board West End Choir.
“We are excited to partner with the Society of London Theater both as an award sponsor of the Olivier Awards and through the event voyage which will provide Cunard’s guests with immersive theatrical experiences,” says Lee Powell, VP Brand and Product, Cunard. “Spectacular performances are in our DNA and we look forward to inspiring and delighting our guests on board as they enjoy some of the best of London theater.”
Julian Bird, Chief Executive of Society of London Theater/UK Theater 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 Theater at Sea event voyage on board Queen Mary 2 to life.”
As part of its patronage of British theater, 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 have performed 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 have also passed on stagecraft tips in acting workshops.
Furthermore, late last year Cunard announced its partnership with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles (BAFTA Los Angeles). Cunard is partnering with BAFTA LA as the organisation's official luxury cruise partner; the line will participate as a sponsor in some of BAFTA LA's unique entertainment events and programming throughout 2019. In addition, Cunard will launch BAFTA LA Screenings on board as part of the brand's renowned Insights Programme on their fleet of ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
The London Theatre at Sea experience will be available on Queen Mary 2 on its Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton 13 - 20 May 2020.
Source: www.cunard.com