Sarah Snook’s critically acclaimed performance in the one-woman show “The Picture of Dorian Gray” has reached its zenith with a prestigious Olivier Award for Best Actress. This win caps off a remarkable year for Snook, who has already secured an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her work in the final season of HBO’s “Succession.”
Taking the London stage by storm, Snook’s portrayal of 26 characters in Oscar Wilde’s classic tale has garnered widespread acclaim. From the handsome Dorian Gray himself to characters like Basil Hallward and Sibyl Vane, Snook seamlessly transforms between roles, captivating audiences at the Royal Haymarket Theatre. This virtuosic performance edged out a competitive field that included heavyweights like Sarah Jessica Parker, nominated for her role in “Plaza Suite.”
The Olivier Awards, often referred to as Britain’s Tony Awards, recognize excellence in London theater. This win marks a historic first for the Sydney Theatre Company (STC), with “The Picture of Dorian Gray” being their inaugural Olivier nominee and winner.
Adding to the night’s triumphs, designer Marg Horwell also received an Olivier Award for Best Costume Design for her work on the production. Horwell’s masterful creations bring Wilde’s characters to life visually, complementing Snook’s captivating performance.
In her acceptance speech at the ceremony held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Snook expressed her gratitude: “It’s an incredible honor to be on the West End stage. This recognition is truly humbling.” She acknowledged the vital role of the crew, who she considers her constant support system: “While it’s billed as a one-woman show, it’s far from that. The crew is there with me every night, and their presence is a source of constant inspiration.”
The Australian production, initially performed by Eryn-Jean Norvill, garnered critical praise in Sydney and Melbourne. Snook’s portrayal, however, has been hailed by London critics as a “chameleonic tour-de-force” and a testament to her exceptional talent.
Horwell, a multi-award-winning designer, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the collaborative spirit behind the production: “Having Sarah portray every character makes my job incredibly easy. It’s been a joy working with her.” Both Snook and Horwell commended director Kip Williams for his vision and meticulous direction.
Williams recently announced his departure from the STC after eight years at the helm. Citing his desire to fully dedicate himself to “The Picture of Dorian Gray’s” upcoming Broadway run, he felt he couldn’t effectively juggle both responsibilities.
Snook expressed her appreciation for Williams’ creative genius: “Every night, I feel incredibly fortunate to inhabit the world you’ve created.”
While productions featuring celebrity actors often garner significant attention, the night belonged to Jamie Lloyd’s reimagining of “Sunset Boulevard,” starring Nicole Scherzinger. The production swept the awards, securing seven wins. Other notable nominees included James Norton (“Happy Valley”), Andrew Scott (“Fleabag”), Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”), David Tennant (“Macbeth”), Sheridan Smith (“Shirley Valentine”), and Joseph Fiennes (“Dear England”).
Mark Gatiss also secured a well-deserved win for Best Actor. His portrayal of Sir John Gielgud in Jack Thorne’s “The Motive and The Cue” captivated audiences. The play explores the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding a controversial 1964 Broadway production of “Hamlet” starring Gielgud and Richard Burton.
Snook’s triumph at the Olivier Awards solidifies her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of theater. Her exceptional performance in “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a must-see for anyone seeking a captivating and transformative theatrical experience.
