Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman take home
2008 Laurence Olivier Award for Hairspray

ASCAP members Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman were honored with a 2008 Laurence Olivier Award (the British equivalent of the Tony) for the score and book to Hairspray. They accepted the award in the Best New Musical category, and clinched a fourth Olivier for Hairspray, which also picked up awards for Best Actress and Actor in a Musical, and Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical. In total, the musical was nominated for an unprecedented eleven Laurence Olivier awards.

Following the awards ceremony, held in London's Grosvenor House Hotel on March 9th, Shaiman (also a winner of the prestigious ASCAP Henry Mancini Award) and Wittman commented: "It almost seems unfair; it's such a wonderful experience to put on this show. We are like wedding crashers, we have already had our candy in a way. It's a wonderful cast, an extraordinary company that we have here, it's thrilling to see the show in such a strong production."

Shaiman and Wittman's win completed a clean sweep of the British theatrical awards season. Hairspray was already named Best Musical in the Critics' Circle and Evening Standard Theatre Awards, and Best New Musical at the Whatsonstage Theatregoers' Choice Awards.

Also honored at the 2008 Olivier Awards was international affiliate Andrew Lloyd Webber (PRS), who received a special award for his achievements and for his role in bringing theater to new audiences worldwide.