The 2013 Olivier Awards

Esteemed dancer, choreographer and now Vice-President of the Royal Academy of Dance Gillian Lynne and fictional writer Michael Frayn are both set to receive Special Awards at this year's Society of London Theatre Olivier Awards in recognition of their immense contribution to theatre and the arts. Gillian Lynne began her career as a ballet dancer before earning an international reputation for her innovative choreography and stage work throughout the performing arts industry, including choreographing Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. Cats the musical is set for revival later in 2013, and it looks as though Gillian Lynne’s achievements are not over yet, with many more years of creativity ahead. Beginning as a Royal Ballet dancer under Dame Ninette de Valois, Gillian Lynne has been a constant stream of creation throughout the arts. Michael Frayn's considerable writing output includes 17 plays, most notably the award-winning farce Noises Off and the dramas Copenhagen and Democracy. As a result of his wide expanse of expertise in the world of writing, the Society of London Theatre’s Olivier Awards has recognised the prolific work of Michael Frayn, and of course Gillian Lynne. In two very different disciplines of the performing arts, the pair has had and continues to have a vital and lasting influence on the theatre and dance stages of the performing arts industry. It is only fitting that these two ambassadors of British Theatre be recognised with the Special Award at this year's ceremony. This year’s Olivier Awards, nominations for which were announced on 26 March 2013, take place at the Royal Opera House on Sunday 28 April, hosted by Hugh Bonneville and Sheridan Smith. The ceremony will be live on BBC Radio 2 from 6.30pm with a highlights package broadcast on ITV later in the evening.