Two Olivier Awards for LIPA graduates

Two Acting graduates from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) have received the highest possible honour in British theatre, an Olivier Award.

Jamie Lloyd (Acting, 2002) won the Peter Hall Award for Best Director for Sunset Boulevard, while Jak Malone (Acting, 2018) was awarded Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Operation Mincemeat.

Jamie’s award was one of seven Olivier’s for his production of Sunset Boulevard. It was also winner of Best Actress and Best Actor in a Musical, Best Lighting Design, Best Sound Design, Outstanding Musical Contribution, and Best Musical Revival at the ceremony that took place at the Royal Albert Hall on 14 April.

Sean McNamara, LIPA’s Principal and CEO, says: “What a phenomenal achievement! We are so incredibly proud of Jamie, his production of Sunset Boulevard is a masterpiece and thoroughly deserves all the success it has garnered. 

“It is also wonderful to see the production be celebrated and recognised for creative and collaborative excellence in performance and technical categories.”

Jak Malone is one of five cast members in Operation Mincemeat with each actor playing multiple roles. Will Hammond is Director of the School of Performance at LIPA and taught Jak. He says Jak is mesmerising in the production: “Many congratulations to Jak on his accomplishment at the Olivier Awards and a spellbinding performance in one of the most exciting new musicals on the West End. 

“We’re thrilled by this recognition of Jak’s skills and abilities, which is thoroughly deserved.”

Jak says receiving the Olivier Award was a shock. “I was completely bowled over. I know everyone says, ‘I didn’t expect it.’ But I really didn’t expect it. I was a wreck. My knees buckled as I stood at the microphone.

“It was the support in the room that took me by surprise. It meant so much to get that response. The reaction from friends and family has been joyous. I’ve not gone through all of my messages yet. I’m waiting until my head is on my shoulders again.”

Operation Mincemeat was named Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards and has had its run at the Fortune Theatre in London’s West End extended until November. Operation Mincemeat and Sunset Boulevard are both due to transfer to Broadway.

You can find out more about LIPA’s Acting, Acting (Musicianship) and Acting (Musical Theatre) courses at the LIPA website.

Images: Jamie Lloyd photograph by Pamela Raith. Jak Malone photograph by Joanne Davidson.