BWW INTERVIEWS: Ann Emery Of BILLY ELLIOT, at THE OLIVIERS 2010

Brian Ronan is this year's Olivier Best Sound Design winner for Spring Awakening at the Novello. He was unavailable, so wife Rachel Henderson picked it up on his behalf. Follow the Oliviers action as it happens here!

Miriam Zendle talks to Ann Emery, who presented the gong along with some of the boys from the cast...

What was it like presenting?

Everybody's so wonderful, you know, our artistic director was right behind us, he was there supporting us and told everybody what to do, including me.

How did the boys behave?

We had a rehearsal and they were very well behaved. They were told in no uncertain terms: 'Do this, do that'. Which is what they respond to and so do I, I'd much rather someone did that. If you're an artist, we're all like children. I'm just a bit of an old-school child.

What's the atmosphere like down there?

Oh, it's wonderful, it's electric! I said to everybody before 'don't worry, they're wonderful.' They are wonderful, so receptive, the atmosphere is alive. It doesn't matter what you do down there.

Do you think the right person won?

You're not aware of how they do it and I don't know many technicians, honestly. I used to ask for a Sunshine 28 when I was your age as a spotlight when I was doing cabaret!