It's a concept that would have seemed inane two years ago and that still seems a little bit ridiculous, but the London theater (or, perhaps, "theatre") sensation "Jerry Springer -- The Opera," won four awards at Sunday's (Feb. 22) 28th Laurence Olivier Awards.

"Springer," a ribald take on the popular American talk show with music by Richard Thomas and book and lyrics by Thomas and Stewart Lee, won for best new musical at the prestigious London theatre ceremony.

Held at London's Park Lane Hilton and organized by the Society of London Theater, the Oliviers also honored "Springer" star David Bedella as best actor in a musical, while the show's chorus was given a collective award for best performance in a supporting role in a musical.

The show also picked up a trophy for Mike Walker's sound design.

"Jerry Springer -- The Opera" was developed at London's National Theatre and is booked to run at the Cambridge Theatre at least through January 2005.