Brian Hook - Olivier Award Winner

Brian Hook, Olivier Award Winner

Brian Hook a former Wardle Academy student from Littleborough, won an Olivier Award for his outstanding work on the highly acclaimed production of Rotterdam.

Brian, 27, co-produced the show which took home the award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre at the 2017 Olivier Awards. The play, performed at Trafalgar Studios, covers gender identity and relationship issues and is the first transgender themed play to win an Olivier Award.

The awards ceremony, which recognises and celebrates excellence in professional theatre, was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Brian left Bury College in 2006 after securing triple distinction. He has since gone on to pave a successful career within the industry and has starred in a number of acting roles. Brian also co-owns Hartshorn-Hook Productions, a modern theatrical entertainment company based in London which produces commercial theatre in the West End and across the UK and worldwide.

Upon receiving the award Brian said: “I am a Rochdale boy who went to Bury College where everyone was incredible and really supportive. I cannot believe that I am stood here right now. It is really weird and amazing.”

Andy Tomlinson, Curriculum Manager for Performing Arts and Music at Bury College, said of Brian’s success: “Brian’s award is justified reward and recognition for someone dedicated to his profession. He is an inspiration to other students, not just Performing Arts, of the possibilities if you follow your dream and work at your craft. It really is an amazing achievement of which we are all immensely proud and humbled that he thanked Bury College for the part we played in his journey.”