"Hairspray" scoops four prizes at UK theatre awards

(Reuters) - The flamboyant retro musical "Hairspray" swept the board on Sunday at the prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards in London.

Nominated for a record 11 prizes "Hairspray" scooped four awards at a star-studded ceremony hosted by actor Richard E. Grant as its stars Michael Ball and Leanne Jones were honored as best actor and actress in a musical category.

The box office smash was also named best new musical, while Tracie Bennett won an award for best performance in a supporting role in a musical.

Chiwetel Ejiofor's Othello fought off stiff competition from Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, John Simm and Mark Rylance to clinch the best actor award.

Kristin Scott Thomas was best actress for her critically acclaimed performance in "The Seagull," while Rupert Goold was named best director for "Macbeth."

Theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber was given a special award in recognition of the work he has done in popularizing theatre.

During 2007 London's West End theatre district posted 13.6 million box-office admissions.

Box office receipts were boosted by shows such as "The Sound of Music" revival, which had tie-ins to TV reality shows that picked its stars in talent contests.

The awards were launched in 1976 to recognize excellence on the London stage.

A full list of winners is at www.olivierawards.co.uk.