Hairspray collects four Oliviers

The stars of Hairspray were honoured for their performances

West End show Hairspray has triumphed at the Olivier Awards in London, with a total of four awards.

The stage hit was named best new musical, with main acting plaudits for Michael Ball, Leanne Jones and best supporting actress Tracie Bennett.

Kristin Scott Thomas won best actress in the play category for her role in The Seagull, with Chiwetel Ejiofor named best actor for playing Othello.

Andrew Lloyd Webber was honoured for his achievements in theatre.

Special routine

He was also recognised for his role in bringing theatre to new audiences around the world.

The latest production of George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan picked up two awards, for best revival and best sound, while Rory Kinnear was best supporting actor in a play for his performance in The Man of Mode.

Kristin Scott Thomas was named best actress in a play

The Magic Flute was named best musical revival, and Simon McBurney's Barbican production of A Disappearing Number was named best new play.

Shakespeare's Macbeth, staged at the Gielgud Theatre in London's Shaftsbury Avenue, also won a pair of awards for best lighting and best director for Rupert Goold.

The awards ceremony, which was held at Grosvenor House, was hosted by actor Richard E Grant and included performances from the casts of Parade, Fiddler On The Roof and Hairspray.

A special routine featuring Joseph lead Lee Mead, Evita star Elena Roger and The Sound of Music's Connie Fisher was staged to mark Lloyd Webber's special award.