London: Veteran film, television and stage actress Judi Dench picked up her eight Olivier Award on Sunday, a record tally at Britain's biggest night for theatre.
British actress Judi Dench poses for photographers as she arrives at the Olivier Awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Britain April 3, 2016. (Reuters Photo)
"I know everybody says what a wonderful time they had doing something, I can truly say this time that in 'The Winter's Tale', it was an absolutely memorable time for me."
Actors Rose Leslie, left, and Kit Harrington pose for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, Sunday, April 3, 2016. (AP Photo)
"Gypsy" picked up four prizes, the most awards for a single production on the night, including best musical revival and best actress in a musical for Imelda Staunton, who opened the glitzy London ceremony in character as Momma Rose.
"Gypsy" also picked up awards for best actress in a supporting role in a musical for Lara Pulver and best lighting design.
"Kinky Boots" picked up three awards, including best new musical, best actor in a musical for Matt Henry and best costume design. Pop singer Cyndi Lauper, who collaborated with playwright Harvey Fierstein on bringing the 2005 film first to the Broadway stage before London, also performed on the night.
Actress Gemma Arterton poses for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, Sunday, April 3, 2016. (AP Photo)
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", inspired by the blues singer, won best revival while "Hangmen", about the abolition of hanging in Britain in the 1960s, won best new play.
Kenneth Cranham beat competition from the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Kenneth Branagh and Mark Rylance to be named best actor for "The Father", in which he portrays a man with dementia.
Actress Jessie Buckley poses for photographers in the press room at the Olivier Awards in London, Sunday, April 3, 2016. (AP Photo)
Kenneth Cranham beat competition from the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Kenneth Branagh and Mark Rylance to be named best actor for "The Father", in which he portrays a man with dementia.
Actor Luke Evans poses for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, Sunday, April 3, 2016. (AP Photo)
"I love this industry so much and to be given an award is fantastic but we have a responsibility," she said backstage.
Actress Lara Pulver poses for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, Sunday, April 3, 2016. (AP Photo)
"Nell Gwynn", which stars Arterton, won best new comedy.
The awards, celebrating their 40th anniversary, wrapped up with past winners performing "What I did For Love" from "A Chorus Line", which won best new musical at the 1976 ceremony.
Actor Raza Jaffrey poses for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, Sunday, April 3, 2016. (AP Photo)
Actress Denise Gough'left, holds her Best Actress award for her performance in the play 'People, Places and Things' as she poses for photographers with actor James Norton at the Olivier Awards in London, Sunday, April 3, 2016. (AP Photo)
Dame Shirley Bassey poses for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, Sunday, April 3, 2016. (AP Photo)
Actress Laura Carmichael poses for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, Sunday, April 3, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
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