Harry Potter sets new record at the Oliviers

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child picks up the story of the boy wizard, as an adult.

The Harry Potter stage spin-off has won a record nine prizes at the prestigious Olivier Awards.

Jamie Parker was named the Best Actor, in the title role, with his co-stars Noma Dumezweni and Anthony Boyle winning in the supporting categories. The production was named Best New Play, John Tiffany won the Best Director prize

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which picks up the story of the boy wizard as an adult, also won in the costume, set design, lighting and sound design categories.

The other award for acting in a play went to the former Doctor Who star Billie Piper, who was named the Best Actress drama, for Yerma.

The musical awards were more evenly split, with Groundhog Day taking the awards for the Best New Musical and the Best Actor in a Musical, for Andy Karl, while Dreamgirls took the Best Actress in a Musical trophy for Amber Riley and Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Adam J Bernard. Best Supporting Actress in a Musical was Rebecca Trehearn, for Show Boat.

School of Rock won the prize for Outstanding Achievement in Music, while Jesus Christ Superstar was named the Best Musical Revival – both of them from Lord Lloyd-Webber.

Matthew Bourne  was named the Best Choreographer for The Red Shoes, which also won in the Best Entertainment and Family category.

Other winners at the Royal Albert Hall ceremony included Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, taking the Best New Comedy prize, and Akhnaten was named the Best New Opera production.

The evening ended with Sir Kenneth Branagh being honoured with the Special Award, to mark his achievements during a stage and screen career, both acting and directing, spanning four decades.