The late Marvin Hamlisch, who died last August, was also honoured with the inaugural prize for best original music for his score for the 2002 Broadway musical Sweet Smell of Success, which received its UK premiere at London's Arcola Theatre.

BBC: Sheridan Smith and Rupert Everett shine at theatre awards

Lauper and Tim Minchin, the songwriter for "Matilda: The Musical, " her chief competitor for the best original score Tony this year have managed to find success on Broadway by learning the difference between writing songs for an album and penning ones for a show.

WSJ: Pop songwriters find excitement in stage musicals