Multi award-winning lyricist and musical theatre royalty Sir Tim Rice is to be honoured with the Special Award at this year’s Olivier Awards with MasterCard.
The wordsmith for such musical classics as Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, I Know Him So Well, Close Every Door and Circle Of Life is to receive the accolade to mark his outstanding contribution to theatre.
The acclaimed lyricist is best known for his collaboration with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber which led to the creation of shows including Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, both of which are currently entertaining audiences on Broadway. Though the writing partners went their separate ways after Evita, they recently reunited to provide new additional songs for London’s revival of The Wizard Of Oz.
Away from Lloyd Webber, Rice scored a hit with Chess, brought Wuthering Heights to the stage in musical Heathcliff and joined forces with Sir Elton John to create some of the memorable songs from The Lion King.
His career has seen him win Oscar, Golden Globe, Tony and Grammy Awards, while he has also been recognised with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, induction into the Songwriters’ Hall Of Fame, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 1994.
Rice will collect his award at the star-studded Olivier Awards ceremony held at the Royal Opera house on 15 April, in an evening of prize-giving and unique entertainment where his work will also be celebrated.
Rice will be one of two Special Award winners whose positive effect on theatre will be marked on the glamorous night, with the identity of the second winner currently being kept a closely guarded secret.
The full list of 2012’s nominees, marking the finest in the past year’s theatrical offerings, was announced yesterday, with Matilda The Musical leading the way with 10 nominations.