Sir Tim Rice is Special Award Winner at This Year’s Olivier Awards

The multi award-winning British lyricist, Sir Tim Rice, will receive the Olivier Special Award at this year's Olivier Awards with MasterCard in celebration of his outstanding contribution to musical theatre, taking place on Sunday 15 April 2012.

His highly acclaimed and best-known work includes Close Every Door, Circle Of Life, Don't Cry For Me Argentina and I Know Him So Well.

His collaboration with composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber led to shows including Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, revivals of which are both currently enjoying successful runs on Broadway. They also worked together to write new additional songs for London's revival of The Wizard Of Oz.

He has enjoyed solo success as a lyricist for musicals including Chess and Wuthering Heights, and collaborated with Sir Elton John on The Lion King and Aida.

As well as winning an Oscar, Golden Globe, Tony and Grammy Awards, he has also been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, induction into the Songwriters' Hall Of Fame, and was made a Knight Bachelor in 1994.

Sir Tim Rice will collect his award at the star-studded Olivier Awards ceremony held at the Olivier Awards Ceremony held at the Royal Opera House on Sunday 15 April 2012 hosted by West End stars Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton. The BBC will be giving the awards extensive live uninterrupted coverage on television (via the Red Button), on Radio 2 and online, with red carpet coverage from 5.30pm and the Ceremony starting at 6pm.

The nominations for the Olivier Awards with MasterCard – the most prestigious event in the UK's theatrical calendar – were announced yesterday (Thursday 15 March 2012), with Matilda The Musical, One Man, Two Guvnors and The Ladykillers leading the way in the nominations. The full list is now available on BroadwayWorld.

For more information on the Olivier Awards visit www.olivierawards.com.