Two Irish awards among Oliviers

The Irish theatre world was last night toasting its success at the prestigious Olivier awards after claiming two wins.

Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen was named Best New Play at the ceremony in London’s Royal Opera House.

The play tells the story of how the second-best hangman in England is enjoying his celebrity status in a pub on the day that hanging is abolished, when a mysterious stranger appears.

The Dublin-based Fishamble: The New Play Company and Cobh-born actor/writer Pat Kinevane won an award for their production of Silent which is at present touring Ireland in a double bill with Forgotten.

Pat Kinevane and director Jim Culleton were on hand to receive the award. Artistic director of Fishamble, Jim Culleton said: “We are so thrilled, honoured, and delighted to have won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for Silent. It’s especially thrilling to have been awarded this honour immediately after Dame Judi Dench, and for it to have been presented by Juliet Stevenson — two amazing performers.”