Hat-trick for Mendes

Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes today became the first person to land a hat-trick at British theatre's top awards, the Oliviers.

The American Beauty and Road To Perdition film-maker was rewarded for his swansong productions at London's Donmar Warehouse.

But Gwyneth Paltrow - one of the leading ladies from his final season as artistic director - missed out on a prize.

She was beaten to the best actress title for her acclaimed performance in Proof by Clare Higgins, who was rewarded for her stint in Vincent In Brixton.

Mendes, 37, bowed out from the Donmar last year after a decade in charge, during which both he and the theatre have been lauded for their productions.
Today he was named best director for Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, while the plays also landed the best revival title.

Mendes - who dates Hollywood star Kate Winslet - was given a further special award to mark his decade at the Donmar. It is the first time anyone has won three titles in one year.

The director, currently working in New York where Twelfth Night and Uncle Vanya have transferred and preparing for a new production of Gypsy, was given his awards on Wednesday in a surprise presentation.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's colourful spectacular Bombay Dreams missed out on any awards at today's 27th Laurence Olivier Awards, held at London's Lyceum Theatre.

It was beaten to the best musical prize by the Madness musical Our House, which is built around the hits of the "Nutty Boys".

My Fair Lady scored a double with both its leading performers winning prizes today.

Joanna Riding picked up the best actress in a musical title - her predecessor in the role of Eliza Doolittle did the same last year - while co-star Alex Jennings took the male equivalent.

Other on-stage talents to land prizes today included Simon Russell Beale, named best actor for Uncle Vanya and currently starring in Mendes's New York version.

As well as Higgins's best actress title - for which she also beat former soap queen Anita Dobson and movie star Emily Watson - Vincent In Brixton took a further prize as best new play. It too has now transferred to New York.

Trevor Nunn's Anything Goes was named outstanding musical production. The Oliviers - hosted by Clive Anderson - will be televised by BBC2 tomorrow at 8.30pm.

The highly respected awards are judged by stage experts and members of the theatre-going public.