‘Jerry Springer -- the Opera’ wins 4 British Olivier Awards

London — “Jerry Springer -- the Opera,” an exuberant tribute to the American talk show, triumphed at the Laurence Olivier Awards, winning four awards including best new musical.

David Bedella, the show’s smooth-talking Satan, was named best actor in a musical at the Oliviers, the British equivalent of Broadway’s Tony Awards.

“Jerry Springer,” which transferred in November from the subsidized National Theater to London’s commercial West End, also won awards Sunday for best sound design and best performance in a supporting role in a musical -- awarded to the entire 27-person chorus.

The award for best actress in a musical went to Maria Friedman for “Ragtime.”

Best actor in a play went to Matthew Kelly -- better known as a television host -- for “Of Mice and Men.” Best actress was Dame Eileen Atkins for “Honour” at the National.

Best director went to Michael Grandage for his Donmar Warehouse production of Albert Camus’ “Caligula,” while a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “Pacific Overtures,” also at the Donmar, was named outstanding musical production.

Dame Judi Dench received a special award for her contributions to British theater. The award was presented by actor Kevin Spacey, who serenaded Dench onstage with Gershwin’s “I’ve Got a Crush on You.”