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The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Monday) commended the outstanding success of Irish playwrights and actors at the Olivier Awards in London.

Dublin's Fishamble Theatre and actor-writer Pat Kinevane won the Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre award for the play ‘Silent’ at the Soho Theatre. Denise Gough won Best Actress for her role in ‘People, Places and Things’ at the National Theatre's Dorfman Theatre on London's South Bank, while ‘Hangman’, a new play by London-Irish writer Martin McDonagh, won Best New Play and Set Design.

Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
“These accolades amount to tremendous success for the Irish at the Olivier Awards, which are among the most prestigious awards in theatre. It is wonderful to see established Irish theatre companies such as Fishamble recognised for their work. For the past 10 years Fishamble have produced wonderful, thought provoking and moving theatre experiences for Irish audiences both at home and abroad, supported by Culture Ireland.

“I would also like to congratulate Denise Gough, who is an ever rising star of stage and screen, for her best actress award. Martin McDonagh’s award for ‘Hangman’ further cements his reputation as one of our finest screen writers and producers, and I am sure we can all look forward to further excellent productions from him in the future.

“When we see Irish successes on this scale at ceremonies such as the Olivier Awards, it underlines the importance, and indeed the benefits, of providing funding to Culture Ireland, which helps Irish artists to bring their work overseas and helps to showcase Irish talent internationally.”