The awards ceremony which took place last night in London's Royal Albert Hall saw Wexford woman Denise Gough leading the way in British Theater as she walked away with the award for Best Actress for her performance in People, Places and Things.
This is the second time her role as recovering alcoholic Emma has garnered her such appraisal. In January, Gough was recipient of the same accolade at the Critic's Choice Awards. The play, penned by Duncan Macmillan, owes much of its success to the electrifying performance of Gough and the Olivier Award won last night is another testament to that. On receiving her award, Gough took the opportunity to address the race issues that also preside in the theater sphere. Noting that she was "just a little disappointed' at the lack of ethnic diversities nominated, she collected her award proudly celebrating her fellow colleagues by saying; "I'm taking Noma Dumezweni with me and Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Sharon D. Clarke. Your work is extraordinary and it has really inspired me so thank you all."

Can't keep up with messages so this is my thank you tweet!Thank you for the outpouring.The play is the thing.And I completely love it.❤️

— Denise gough (@gough_denise) March 25, 2016

Denise Gough of @pptonstage with her statue! #OlivierAwards pic.twitter.com/ExeuofNLGZ

— Olivier Awards (@OlivierAwards) April 3, 2016

Gough was joined in victory by Dublin's Fishamble Theatre and actor-writer Pat Kinevane. His play Silent was awarded with the Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theater. The play which revolves around homeless man McGoldrig has already won The Scotsman Fringe First, The Herald Angel (Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011) and The Argus Angel (Brighton Festival 2012).

It's in the bag for Pat Kinevane & Fishamble - congratulations Silent! #OlivierAwards pic.twitter.com/aY4MFTQhBj

— Olivier Awards (@OlivierAwards) April 3, 2016

Also walking away with gold was London-Irish writer Martin McDonagh whose play Hangmen won Best New Play and Set Design.

And so Hangmen wins the game! Congratulations on another win. #OlivierAwards

— Olivier Awards (@OlivierAwards) April 3, 2016

Today Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys celebrated last night's resounding success commenting; "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. 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...."
President Michael D. Higgins also praised the worthy winners and took great pride in the Irish influence that is blossoming in theater; "I wish them every success – may I also convey my best wishes to the countless actors, actresses, directors, stagehands, playwrights, designers, choreographers and many others that make up Irish theatre. Their work reminds us of the vitality and indeed importance of culture and of theatre in the life of our nation."
For those of you who want to watch last nights events, the Olivier Awards Ceremony will be repeated on ITV3 at 11pm tonight.