This year, for the first time, we asked our members to vote on the Irish Times Theatre Awards nominations. Almost 300 members voted and it's going to be fun to see if they tally on Sunday night! 

So here are the results... 

Best Production

And the winner is... Misterman, written and directed by Enda Walsh, produced by Landmark Productions and Galway Arts Festival.

It was very close as you can see: 

  • 43% Misterman, written and directed by Enda Walsh, produced by Landmark Productions and Galway Arts Festival.
  • 40% Laundry, written and directed by Louise Lowe for Anu Productions.
  • 10% All That Fall, written by Samuel Beckett and directed by Gavin Quinn for Pan Pan Theatre
  • 7% The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, directed by Conall Morrison for The Lyric Theatre, Belfast

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included: 
A Murder of Crows (Barnstorm); Blackbird (Primecut); Blue Boy (Brokentalkers); Latch (Hammergrin); Man of Valour (The Corn Exchange); Peer Gynt (Rough Magic); Pineapple (Calipo Theatre); Pygmalion (Abbey Theatre); Rian (Fabulous Beast); Silent (Fishamble); Trade (THISISPOPBABY).

Best Actor

And the winner is: Cillian Murphy as Thomas Magill in Misterman, written and directed by Enda Walsh, produced by Landmark Productions/Galway Arts Festival.

It was very close as you can see: 

  • 44% Cillian Murphy as Thomas Magill in Misterman, written and directed by Enda Walsh, produced by Landmark Productions/Galway Arts Festival.
  • 40% Paul Reid in Man of Valour, written by Michael West, directed by Annie Ryan and produced by Corn Exchange Theatre Company.
  • 12% Philip Judge as Older Man in Trade, written by Mark O’Halloran, directed by Tom Creed for Thisispopbaby.
  • 4% Patrick O’Kane as John Proctor in The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, directed by Conall Morrison for The Lyric Theatre, Belfast. 

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included: 
Risteard Cooper in Pygmalion (Abbey Theatre); Dan Gordon in Blackbird (Primecut); Owen Gilhooly in The Magic Flute (Opera Theatre Company); Joe Hanley in Curse of the Starving Class (Abbey Theatre); Pat Kinevane in Silent (Fishamble); Tadhg Murphy in The Cripple of Inishmann (Druid); Neil Watkins in The Year of Magical Wanking (THISISPOPBABY); Don Wycherley in The Government Inspector (Abbey Theatre).

 

Best Supporting Actor

And the winner is...  John Olohan as Byrne in Big Maggie, written by John B Keane and directed by Garry Hynes for Druid.

Here are the voting results: 

  • 37% John Olohan as Byrne in Big Maggie, written by John B Keane and directed by Garry Hynes for Druid.
  • 31% Rory Nolan as Commissioner in The Government Inspector, written by Roddy Doyle and directed by Jimmy Fay for The Abbey Theatre.
  • 16% Frankie McCafferty as Ivan in The Seafarer, written by Conor McPherson and directed by Andrew Flynn for Nomad Theatre Network and Decadent Theatre Company.
  • 16% Bob Kelly as Martin O Bonnassa/Osborne O’Loonassa/Gentleman/Others in The Poor Mouth, written by Flann O’Brien, adapted by Jocelyn Clarke and directed by Niall Henry for Blue Raincoat Theatre Company.

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included: 
Liam Carney in The Silver Tassie (Druid); Lorcan Cranitch in Pygmalion (Abbey Theatre);  Nick Dunning in Pygmalion (Abbey Theatre); Joe Hanley in The Plough and the Stars (Abbey Theatre); Damian Kearney in The Governement Inspector (Abbey Theatre); Ronan Raftery in Juno and the Paycock (Abbey Theatre). 

 

Best Actress

And the winner is... Amy Conroy as Gina Devine in Eternal Rising of The Sun, written by Amy Conroy and directed by Veronica Coburn for The Irish Theatre Institute.

Here are the voting results: 

  • 32% Amy Conroy as Gina Devine in Eternal Rising of The Sun, written by Amy Conroy and directed by Veronica Coburn for The Irish Theatre Institute.
  • 24% Aisling O’Sullivan as Maggie Polpin in Big Maggie, written by John B. Keane and directed by Garry Hynes for Druid.
  • 24% Charlie Murphy as Eliza in Pygmalion, written by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Annabelle Comyn for The Abbey Theatre.
  • 20% Marie Mullen as Woman in Testament, written by Colm Toibin, directed by Garry Hynes for the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival and Landmark

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included: 
Imelda Drumm in Il Trovatore (Lyric Productions), Caoilfheann Dunne in Pineapple (Calipo Theatre), Maeve Fitzgerald in The Yellow Wallpaper (Then This Theatre), Liz Fitzgibbon in You Can't Just Leave There's Always Something (Spilt Gin), Lisa Hogg in Blackbird (Primecut), Eileen Walsh in Request Programme (Corcadorca).

 

Best Supporting Actress

And the winner is... Aoife Duffin as Abigail Williams in The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, directed by Conall Morrison for The Lyric Theatre, Belfast

Another close one: 

  • 31% Aoife Duffin as Abigail Williams in The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, directed by Conall Morrison for The Lyric Theatre, Belfast
  • 28% Caitriona Ní Mhurchú as Masha in 16 Possible Glimpses, written by Marina Carr and directed by Wayne Jordan for The Abbey Theatre.
  • 22% Dearbhla Molloy and Ingrid Craigie as Eileen and Kate in The Cripple of Inishmaan, written by Martin McDonagh and directed by Garry Hynes for Druid Theatre Company.
  • 19% Karen Ardiff as Aase/Green-Clad in Peer Gynt, written by Henrik Ibsen, in a new version by Arthur Riordan, and directed by Lynne Parker for Rough Magic Theatre.

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included:

Cathy Belton in 16 Possible Glimpses (Abbey Theatre) , Derbhle Crotty in The Field (Lane Productions), Janet Moran in No Romance (Abbey Theatre) & Pineapple (Calipo Theatre), Aileen Mythen for Holy Mary (Black Stair Productions) & The Country Girls (Red Kettle Theatre Company in association with Garter Lane Arts Centre). 

 

Best Director

And the winner is... Louise Lowe for Laundry, written by Louise Lowe, produced by Anu Productions.

A very clear winner as our voting result shows: 

  • 58% Louise Lowe for Laundry, written by Louise Lowe, produced by Anu Productions.
  • 24% Gavin Quinn for All That Fall, written by Samuel Beckett, produced by Pan Pan Theatre.
  • 16% Conall Morrison for The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, produced by The Lyric Theatre, Belfast.
  • 2% Niall Henry for The Poor Mouth, written by Flann O’Brien, adapted by Jocelyn Clarke and produced by Blue Raincoat Theatre Company.

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included: 
Feidlim Cannon and Gary Keegan for Blue Boy (Brokentalkers); Annabelle Comyn for Pygmalion (Abbey Theatre); Tom Creed for Trade (THISISPOPBABY); Garry Hynes for Big Maggie (Druid), The Silver Tassie (Druid) & Testament (Landmark Productions & Dublin Theatre Festival); Emma Jordan for Blackbird (Primecut); Wayne Jordan for The Plough and the Stars (Abbey Theatre); Annilese Miskimmon for The Magic Flute (Opera Theatre Company); Annie Ryan for Man of Valour (The Corn Exchange); Enda Walsh for Misterman (Landmark Productions).

 

Best New Play

And the winner is: Silent written by Pat Kinevane, directed by Jim Culleton for Fishamble.

A very clear winner in this category as the results show: 

  • 41% Silent written by Pat Kinevane, directed by Jim Culleton for Fishamble.
  • 29% Trade written by Mark O’Halloran, directed by Tom Creed for Thisispopbaby.
  • 18% Fight Night written by Gavin Kostick and directed by Bryan Burroughs for Rise Productions in association with Bewleys Cafe Theat
  • 12% No Romance written by Nancy Harris and directed by Wayne Jordan for The Abbey Theatre.

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included:

In my Bed by Veronica Dyas; Pineapple by Phillip McMahon (Calipo Theatre); Man of Valour created by Michael West, Annie Ryan and Paul Reid (The Corn Exchange); Testament written by Colm Toibin (Landmark Productions/ Dublin Theatre Festival); The Year of Magical Wanking by Neil Watkin (THISISPOPBABY).

 

Best Opera Production

And the winner is... The Magic Flute, written by Mozart, directed by Annilese Miskimmon for Opera Theatre Company.

Another clear winner: 

  • 41% The Magic Flute, written by Mozart, directed by Annilese Miskimmon for Opera Theatre Company.
  • 23% Tosca, written by Giacomo Puccini, directed by Oliver Mears for NI Opera.
  • 22% Maria, written by Roman Statkowski, directed by Michael Gieleta for Wexford Festival Opera.
  • 14% La Cour de Celimene, written by Ambroise Thomas, directed by Stephen Barlow for Wexford Festival Opera.

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included:
Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart directed by Dieter Kaegi for Lismore Music Festival.

 

Best Designer: Lighting

And the winner is...  Aedin Cosgrove for All That Fall, written by Samuel Beckett and directed by Gavin Quinn for Pan Pan Theatre AND Man of Valour, written by Michael West, directed by Annie Ryan and produced by Corn Exchange.

Here are the voting results: 

  • 45% Aedin Cosgrove for All That Fall, written by Samuel Beckett and directed by Gavin Quinn for Pan Pan Theatre AND Man of Valour, written by Michael West, directed by Annie Ryan and produced by Corn Exchange.
  • 35% Adam Silverman for Misterman, written and directed by Enda Walsh and produced by Landmark Productions and Galway Arts Festival.
  • 20% Ciaran Bagnall for Guidelines for A Long and Happy Life, written by Paul Kennedy, directed by Michael Duke and produced by Tinderbox Theatre Company.

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included: 
Paul Keogan for Big Maggie (Druid);Sinead McKenna 16 Possible Glimpses (Abbey Theatre); Ciaran O'Melia for Trade (THISISPOPBABY); Petra Hjortsberg for Body Electric (Collective Theatre Company); Peter Mumford for Testament (Landmark Productions/ Dublin Theatre Festival); Malcom Rippeth for The Field (Lane Productions); Mark Galione for A Murder of Crows (Barnstorm). 

 

Best Designer: Sound

And the winner is...Jimmy Eadie for All That Fall written by Samuel Beckett and directed by Gavin Quinn for Pan Pan Theatre. 

This category was incredibly close and actually came down to one vote!

  • 43% Jimmy Eadie for All That Fall written by Samuel Beckett and directed by Gavin Quinn for Pan Pan Theatre.
  • 42% Carl Kennedy and Tarab for Peer Gynt, written by Henrik Ibsen, in a new version by Arthur Riordan, and directed by Lynne Parker for Rough Magic Theatre.
  • 15% Mel Mercier for Sétanta, written and directed by Paul Mercier for Fíbín agus Amharclann na Mainistreach.

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included: 
Gregory Clarke for Misterman (Landmark Productions/ Galway Arts Festival); Denis Clohessy for Rian (Fabulous Beast) & Man of Valour (The Corn Exchange); Jack Cawley for Follow (WillFredd Theatre).

 

Best Designer: Costume

And the winner is...Peter O’Brien for Pygmalion, written by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Annabelle Comyn for The Abbey Theatre.

A very clear winner in this category: 

  • 57% Peter O’Brien for Pygmalion, written by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Annabelle Comyn for The Abbey Theatre.
  • 26% Joan O’Clery for Peer Gynt, written by Henrik Ibsen, in a new version by Arthur Riordan, and directed by Lynne Parker for Rough Magic Theatre.
  • 17% Gaby Rooney for The Lulu House written and directed by Selina Cartmell for Siren Productions.

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included: Harmless Creatures for A Murder of Crows (Barnstorm).

 

Best Designer: Set

And the winner is...Jamie Vartan for Misterman, written and directed by Enda Walsh, produced by Landmark Productions/Galway Arts Festival.

Another clear winner in this category: 

  • 51% Jamie Vartan for Misterman, written and directed by Enda Walsh, produced by Landmark Productions/Galway Arts Festival.
  • 34% Paul O’Mahony for Pygmalion, written by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Annabelle Comyn for The Abbey Theatre.
  • 15% Sabine Dargent for The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, directed by Conall Morrison for The Lyric Theatre, Belfast.

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included: 
Carol Betera for A Murder of Crows (Barnstorm); John Comiskey & Alan Farquharson for Peer Gynt (Rough Magic); Anthony Lamble for Bookworms (Abbey Theatre); Gary Keegan and Feidlim Cannon for Blue Boy (Brokentalkers); Francis O'Connor for Testament (Landmark Productions/ Dublin Theatre Festival); Nicky Shaw for Anne Frank (Opera Theatre Company).

 

Judge's Special Award

And the winner is... Landmark Productions for sustained excellence in programming and for developing imaginative partnerships to bring quality theatre to the Irish and international stage.

An incredibly tight category that came down to a handful of votes 

  • 34% Landmark Productions for sustained excellence in programming and for developing imaginative partnerships to bring quality theatre to the Irish and international stage.
  • 31% Val Sherlock for consistent excellence in hair and makeup for Irish theatre.
  • 19% Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre for Rian, an innovative theatrical presentation of Irish music and dance performance created by Michael Keegan-Dolan and Liam O Maonlaí as part of the 2011 Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival.
  • 16% The Lyric Theatre, Belfast for bringing new energy to theatre in Northern Ireland by realising a landmark new theatre and revitalising a long tradition of excellence in performance.

We asked who did you think was left out and the answers included: 

  • John Fairleigh for his unpaid, sustained committment to The Stewart Parker Award
  • Theatre Forum and Dublin Theatre Festival for the Next Stage 
  • Strollers Venue Network for the introduction of the production award to make new theatre with production companies.
  • ITI for Six in the Attic program
  • Rise Productions Irish Theatre Podcast
  • THEATREclub for 2010, Heroin, Theatre Machine Turns You On, etc
  • The Lir, for changing the face of theatre training, and Fund:It, for changing the face of theatre funding, both of them in their start-up year
  • Upstate Theatre Project

 

 

Any other new awards you feel should be introduced?

  • The Fiach Mac Conghail Award for Best Hair and Make Up
  • A rising star award
  • An Audience award ... and possibly also a Best Venue award. But mostly an Audience award.
  • AV / Video / Projection design award should be introduced. See Jack Phelan’s work on Man of Valour.
  • Best Ensemble Theatre piece. They have them in every other country!!
  • Best ensemble cast
  • Best Dancer, Best Choreographer & Best Dance Production
  • Best debut.
  • Best devised/comedy/musical?
  • Best Festival - Not an award but a system where you can see 'everything' that was produced during the year - to jog your memory. Best new theatre company.
  • Best Opera Performance Best Musical Director
  • Best producer, best stage manager.
  • Best singer in an opera production
  • Best Venue/Best Emerging Theatre Practitioner/Best Dance Production/ Best Multidisciplinary Project
  • Casting Director? Maybe an extra Judges Special Award or two to facilitate areas like this???
  • Community engaged collaborative practice and productions
  • For young Independent producers
  • I think Stage Directors should be recognised. The good ones work incredibly long hours, have to be all things to all people, keep cast & creative team happy while running a tight ship with the production team/crew. They are rarely acknowledged (maybe because if they're doing a good job, they are not noticed!) but always have to take the flak. I think they're great!
  • Some sort of award to recognise the work done by stage managers and production managers
  • Stage Management, Production Management, Producers, Technical Staff... it would be wonderful if these and other people could be recognised for the enormous contribution they make to Irish Theatre.
  • Stage Management Award Venue Award
  • Production Manager Stage Manager
  • More awards for new things - new writer, new director etc.
  • Music
  • Outstanding new theatre-maker
  • Recognition for casting and hair make-up
  • Site Specific
  • Theatre for Children
  • Video designer, best dance production

Your Theatre Moment of the Year

  • A few great one person shows this year.
  • Act two The silver Tassie.
  • Amy Conroy in the Rising of the Eternal Sun
  • A tie between Laundry during the Theatre Festival and Misterman in Galway
  • Bairbre Ní Chaoimh taking my hand in the chapel in Laundry and drying my tears with her handkerchief.
  • Bath scene in Laundry
  • Being lost in a Magdalene Laundry and feeling the fear of entrapment and horrific beauty of the building.
  • Seeing 20 shows in 8 days as part of fringe. Seeing Laundry and Worlds End Lane by Anu Productions within 14 hours of each other.
  • Seeing World's End Lane and Laundry back-to-back
  • Blue Boy by Broken Talkers as part of Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival. Devastating and incredibly bold. Cillian Murphy as Misterman at Galway Arts Festival
  • I (heart) Alice (heart) I by Amy Conroy
  • Fiscal Compact - A Greek Tragedy in 27 acts!
  • Galway Arts Festival and Dublin Theatre Festival
  • Larry the Lamb on stage with Joe Hanley in the Abbey Theatre's production of Curse of the Starving Classes.
  • Magic Flute by OTC
  • Man of valour
  • Mannix storming out of Project Arts Centre during General Election hustings in February.
  • Maria at Wexford
  • Martin Collins' and Cara Brock's scene in Come Forward to Meet You directed by Louise Lowe for Upstate Theatre Project. Unfortunately a community cast which means it is not eligible for Irish Times Theatre Awards
  • Opening night of Misterman at Galway Arts Festival 2011
  • Opening of the Lir.
  • Powerplays
  • Prime Cut Demeter Project
  • Raoul, I Heart Alice returns, Pocket Music, Pineapple and the coming Alice in Funderland
  • Rian
  • Sitting in a chilly warehouse in Belfast looking as two actors took what must have been several minutes to walk towards us, backed by incredible lighting... the whole evening was wonderful, but that moment in particular had me on the edge of my rickety bench! (Guidelines for a Long and Happy Life)
  • Sorry for banging on about it, but Blackbird by Prime Cut was the most stunning piece I saw all year. Did the judges not see it?
  • THEATREclub's TWENTY TEN
  • The Papagano / Papagena duet sung by Owen Gilhooly and Mary O’Sullivan in The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, directed by Annilese Miskimmon for Opera Theatre Company
  • The audience's amazed silence at the end of Misterman on its opening night at the Galway Arts Festival...hair raising, spine-tingling stuff!
  • The campaign for the arts continued support for the industry.
  • The Flamboyant Bird
  • The Year of Magical Wanking, produced by ThisisPopBaby, written and performed by Neil Watkins. Directed by Phillip McMahon
  • Watching my 7 year old see The Magic Flute for the first time at The Lir.

P.S ... Who has been nominated for an award, and won that award, in the same category, for the same piece, with the same company, 3 years ago?

30 people got this one right…

The answer is: Dearbhla Molloy as Eileen in The Cripple of Inishmaan, written by Martin McDonagh and directed by Garry Hynes for Druid Theatre Company.