By EMILY SHERIDAN

Lots of layers: Winner Sheridan Smith (left) kept it short and sweet in a white layered prom dress, while Kara Tointon wore a striking red floor-length number at the Oliver Awards last night


It's the biggest night in the theatreland calendar and the Olivier Awards 2011 certainly didn't disappoint on glamour.

A host of leading ladies past and present including Sheridan Smith, Kara Tointon and Danielle Lineker put on their finest frocks as they dazzled on the red carpet at London's Theatre Royal.

And there was plenty to celebrate for Smith, who not only picked up Best Actress In A Musical for her role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical, but co-star Jill Halfpenny was named Best Supporting Actress with the show also being named Best New Musical.

Strictly Come Dancing winner Tointon turned on the Hollywood glamour in a show-stopping red gown as she arrived with Rupert Everett - who will play Professor Higgins to her Eliza Dolittle in the forthcoming production of Pygmalion.

Gavin And Stacey star Smith, 29, attended the ceremony with her father Colin dressed in a white layered prom dress and broke down in tears after being announced as the winner.

Accepting her award on stage, she thanked the show's American creators 'let a chav play an American rich girl'.


Chic Vs high glamour: Model-turned-actress Danielle Lineker, currently starring in Calendar Girls, wore a black shift dress, while Amanda Holden wore a stunning satin Ralph & Russo gown


Speaking to the BBC, she said: 'I was so gobsmacked and overwhelmed. This is beyond my wildest dreams. I'm baffled, but so honoured.'

Althought Smith left the role in January and is now starring alongside Sienna Miller in Flare Path, she described Legally Blonde as 'the best 14 months in my life'.

She admitted she feels like she's 'blagging it' - something that Sir Laurence Olivier who the awards are named after never did.


Yes! Smith and co-star Jill Halfpenny celebrate backstage after both winning Oliviers for their roles in Legally Blonde: The Musical


Theatreland's darling: Smith cuddles up to her father Colin on the red carpet (left) and receives a kiss from Rupert Everett


While Legally Blonde picked up three awards, National Theatre's revival of playwright Terence Rattigan's After the Dance won four, including Best Actress for a heavily pregnant Nancy Carroll.

Carroll, 36, is due to give birth to her second child any day now and showed off her large bump in a purple gown.

Her co-star Adrian Scarborough - well-known for playing hapless Pete in Gavin And Stacey - accepted Best Supporting Actor.


The toast of the West End: Best Actor winner Roger Allam with heavily pregnant Best Actress winner Nancy Carroll (left) and Best Supporting Actor winner Adrian Scarborough with Best Supporting Actress winner Michelle Terry


Plenty to celebrate: Halfpenny and Sheridan can't hide their joy at winning as they pose with their Olivier busts


Roger Allam, who played bent copper Super Mac in Ashes To Ashes, beat Derek Jacobi, Rory Kinnear, Mark Rylance and David Suchet to the Best Actor trophy for Henry IV Parts I and II.

Andre Lloyd Webber's newest show Love Never Dies - the sequel to Phantom Of The Opera - was up in seven categories, but failed to win any.

Webber's protogee Summer Strallen missed out on Best Supporting Actress In A Musical, but did not look striking in a strapless gold number.


Pale and interesting: (L-R) Elisabeth Moss in a plunging gold number, Summer Strallen in a strapless number while Lesley Manville wore a light green halterneck


Going to the dark side: (L-R) Best Supporting Actress nominee Gina McKee wore a strapless column gown, Best Actress nominee Tracie Bennett wore a racy slit number while Anne-Marie Duff kept it simple


A newcomer to theatreland was Gary Lineker's model wife Danielle, who recently made her stage debut in the touring production of Calendar Girls.

The brunette steered away from full-length glamour and looked chic in a black and white shift dress as she arrived with husband Gary.

Black appeared to be the dominant style choice last night, with Best Supporting Actress nominee Gina McKee, Best Actress nominee Tracie Bennett, Anne-Marie Duff, Rachael Stirling, Angela Rippon and Angela Lansbury all opting for the simple shade.


Smart: Lost star and his In A Forest co-star Olivia Williams (left) presented an award, while Brian May - with wife Anita Dobson - accepted the Audience Award for We Will Rock You


Honoured: Stephen Sondheim was presented with the Society of London Theatre Special Award by Angela Lansbury and Sir Cameron Mackintosh


TV and theatre veteran Lansbury, 85, joined Sir Cameron Mackintosh on stage to present Stephen Sondheim with the Society of London Theatre's Special Award.

But some attendee weren't afraid to shy away from colour with nominee Tamsin Greig, Oliver! star Jodie Prenger and TV presenter Anneka Rice making statements with their flamboyant ensembles.

Amanda Holden looked stunning in a blue Ralph & Russo gown as she made her first public appearance since losing her baby last month to present David Thaxton with the Best Actor In A Musical Award for Passion.

Meanwhile Queen rocker Brian May, who attended with actress wife Anita Dobson, was thrilled to pick up the Audience Award for We Will Rock You.


Coupled up: Jonny Lee Miller and wife Michele Hicks (left) and Rachael Stirling and boyfriend Oliver Chris


Here come the luvvies: Theatre producer Bill Kenwright and partner Jenny Seagrove (left) and David Suchet - who was nominated for Best Actor - and his wife Sheila





source: dailymail