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Olivier Audience Award voting opens

First published:  05 Feb 2012

Voting is now open for the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Olivier Audience Award which gives theatre fans the chance to decide their favourite long-running show.

The BBC Radio 2 Olivier Audience Award is the only award in theatre’s most prestigious prizes that is voted for solely by members of the public. Theatregoers can cast their vote now to help determine which much-loved West End show will take home the coveted accolade at this year’s awards on 15 April.

Launched by Barbara Windsor on BBC Radio 2 today, the first stage of voting will remain open until 4 March after which the original long-list of the 16 eligible shows will be whittled down to the four most popular shows for the second round of voting.

Theatregoers can choose from London’s many acclaimed long-running shows; The 39 Steps, Billy Elliot The Musical, Blood Brothers, Chicago, Dreamboats And Petticoats, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables, The Mousetrap, The Phantom Of The Opera, Stomp, Thriller Live, War Horse, 2010’s winner Wicked or The Woman In Black.

Last year’s winners We Will Rock You, who are not in the running this year, will be on hand to pass over the award to the newly decorated show at the star-studded ceremony which will this year take place at the Royal Opera House.

Fans will be able to follow the action of what promises to be the most glamorous and exciting Olivier Awards yet by watching live via the BBC red button, tuning in to BBC Radio 2 or by following all the latest news on the Olivier Award’s website.

For the first time ever, the public are also invited to join in on the excitement at the Covent Garden piazza where a big screen will relay the ceremony and fans can enjoy exclusive live performances.

To vote for your favourite long-running show, visit www.olivierawards.co.uk/vote

CM