2025 Olivier Awards Winners: Celebrating ‘Giant,’ ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ and Other Stellar Productions!

“Giant,” a play focusing on Roald Dahl’s controversial views, has made a splash at this year’s Olivier Awards, earning accolades similar to the Tonys in the U.S. John Lithgow stars as Dahl, winning Best Actor for his compelling performance. The play also snagged Best Supporting Actor for Elliot Levey, who portrays a publisher pushing Dahl to reconsider his past statements about Jews, and it took home the award for Best New Play.

This production debuted at the Royal Court last year and is moving to the West End on April 26. It beat out strong competitors like “The Years,” a gripping narrative about a woman’s life, which features powerful themes such as abortion and late love. “The Years” is currently showing at the Harold Pinter Theater until April 19.

Critics have praised “Giant” since its launch. Clive Davis of The Times of London described the play as “subtle, intelligent, and stylishly crafted,” highlighting the skill of writer Mark Rosenblatt and director Nicholas Hytner. It makes sense that the play is transferring to a larger venue; many believe it could fit well on Broadway as Lithgow himself hopes.

Feedback from audiences and critics has been overwhelmingly positive. For instance, in The New York Times, Houman Barekat called Lithgow “superb” for blending warmth with a more complex, prickly demeanor that captures Dahl’s essence effectively.

These conversations around Dahl’s troubled legacy have sparked interest beyond the stage. Recent discussions on social media show that many are grappling with balancing a creator’s talent against their controversial views. This reflects a larger societal trend in recent years, where audiences are increasingly aware of the implications of an artist’s personal beliefs.

In a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll, 68% of respondents felt that knowing an artist’s controversial opinions affected their enjoyment of the artist’s work. As plays like “Giant” delve into these complicated legacies, they open up important dialogues about art, morality, and how society chooses to engage with creators.

As this production continues to grow in popularity, it’s clear that “Giant” is more than just a play—it’s a conversation starter about art and ethics that resonates with many today. For more insights into the world of performing arts and its intersection with societal issues, consider examining works like those featured in The Times or The New York Times.

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