She is set to take on the lead in the West End musical of version Made in Dagenham. But Gemma Arterton looked anything other than a factory worker when she arrived to co-host The Laurence Olivier Awards on Sunday evening at the Royal Albert Hall alongside Stephen Mangan.

The 28-year-old looked the picture of cool dressed in a fitted pale blue gown, which looked particularly striking as she walked the red carpet. In keeping with her sophisticated look, the former Bond girl wore a pair of stunning crystal drop earrings, while her hair was styled in a voluminous bob.

Speaking on the red carpet the actress revealed that she believes British theatre is better than film industry in roles for women.

Speaking the Daily Mail’s Baz Bamigoye before the awards she admitted that she hadn’t found the time to see all of the Olivier-nominated productions admitting. ‘I think I’ll have to wing it on the night. I have seen a lot, but I have been away working, and was in the theatre myself.’

The actress is in the theatrical spotlight at the moment. She started the year in the title role in The Duchess Of Malfi at the new Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe, and will finish it by starring in the musical adaptation of the film Made In Dagenham, at the Adelphi Theatre from October.

While rehearsals for the Rupert Goold musical don’t start until August, Gemma has already having six hours of singing lessons a week.

She said: ‘I’m freaking out because it’s the first time I would have done eight shows a week where there’s one hour of pure singing each performance. I need to build up stamina, and I need to get myself in shape,’ she said, of her preparations for her role as a sewing machinist at Ford in Dagenham in 1968, who helped lead female workers in a fight for equal pay. (source)

Added in the gallery several images from the event, with thanks to Claudia and Gabby for their donations!

GALLERY LINKS:
– Public Events > 2014 Olivier Awards
– Public Events > 2014 Olivier Awards – After Party