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This year's Olivier Awards, which recognise the best in British theatre, will feature a live link-up to New York, organisers have announced.

Several British stars will be appearing on Broadway at the time of the ceremony, including James Corden, Hugh Dancy and Andrew Garfield.

The London leg will be hosted by Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, who are currently starring in Sweeney Todd.

Nominations will be announced in March, and the main event is on 15 April.

Last year's big winners were After The Dance and Legally Blonde: The Musical, which took home four and three awards respectively.

West Side Story composer Steven Sondheim also won a special prize in recognition of his contribution to theatre, while a production of his Into The Woods won best musical revival.

Presented by the Society of London Theatre since 1976, the ceremony's winners are decided by a panel of industry professionals and members of the public.

This year sees the show graduate from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane to the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden.

Theatre fans outside the venue will also be treated to live performances from some of the West End's biggest shows, while the ceremony will be relayed on a big screen.

The link-up to New York comes as several British shows - including War Horse and Ghost: The Musical - transfer to Broadway.