Backstage at the Oliviers – in pictures

Two-time Olivier winner Ruth Wilson.

Alex Jennings gets ready for his first public performance as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Host Gemma Arterton who is to appear in a musical version of Made in Dagenham.

Robert Lindsay takes a break from being a dirty rotten scoundrel.

Beverley Knight, centre, gave the award for outstanding achievement in music to Glen Hansard and Martin Lowe for Once.

Kate Moss with Michael White, who received a special award for his long career in theatre.

Gemma Arterton and Stephen Mangan hosted the awards.

Sharon D Clarke was named best supporting actress for her performance in The Amen Corner.

Presenters Barbara Windsor and Richard Fleeshman. 'As usual, I've done alright for myself, haven't I,' Windsor joked.

Leigh Zimmerman, who won an Olivier in 2013 for A Chorus Line.

Mark Strong and Kristin Davis, who are appearing in A View from the Bridge and Fatal Attraction respectively.

Elaine Paige, Bradley Perret from Billy Eilliot and Anna-Jane Casey.

The cast of The Scottsboro Boys were among the performers at the ceremony.

Waiting in the wings ... performers backstage.

Benny Andersson from Abba. He and Björn Ulvaeus performed at the ceremony. Director Lyndsey Turner, who won for Chimerica, made a point of thanking Abba for the music in her acceptance speech.