Wellington Theatre Awards 2015 – Winners Announcement

Wellington Theatre Awards 2015 – Winners Announcement

In 2015 the Cultural Capital was host to 191 theatre events, all of which were celebrated Sunday 6th December at the Wellington Theatre Awards, held at Circa Theatre.

Hosted by debonair MC James Nokise, and hilariously accompanied by minstrels Carrie Green and Jack Buchanan - this epic, diverse and creative year was recognised as a make or break moment for the industry. In going forward in an increasingly tough arts market, unanimous calls for collaboration, creativity and community were encouraged.

Big winners on the night were All Our Sons by Witi Ihimaera and produced by Taki Rua Productions and Circa Theatre – taking home six awards for Lighting Design (Jennifer Lal), Sound Design (Maaka McGregor), Original Production, Actor (Rob Mokaraka), Director (Nathaniel Lees) and Production of the Year.

Also honoured on the night were Critics’ Wildcard Tawata Productions, for their tireless and inspired work creating Matariki Festival – a celebration of indigenous playwriting. The Critics received the Mayor’s Significant Contribution to Theatre, for their dedication and commitment to bridging the gap between arts and audience, especially noted was Laurie Atkinson (Evening Post / Dominion Post) for his 35 years service as a Wellington Theatre Reviewer.

Significant Contributions to Theatre were given to Neil Gray of Chapman Tripp, for his patronage and support of the Theatre Awards, and Tim Gordon for his advocacy and leadership of the Theatre Awards.

The Wellington Theatre Awards Trust would like to acknowledge

our generous sponsors – Circa Theatre, BATS Theatre, Capital E, Emerging Artist Trust, E Caster, Park Road Post, Playmarket, Sileni Estates, Taki Rua, The Dominion Post, Toi Whakaari, Wellington City Council, Victoria University of Wellington, The Pro Actors, and Weta Digital.

Our full list of 2015 winners is below.

1. Mayor’s Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre

:

The Critics

2. Most Promising Male Newcomer

:

Andrew Paterson – The Angry Brigade

3. Most Promising Female Newcomer

:

Carrie Green – Conversations With My Penis

4. The George Webby Most Promising New Director

:

Miriama McDowell – Nga Pou Wahine

5. The Peter Harcourt Outstanding New Playwright

:

Helen Vivienne Fletcher – How To Catch A Grim Reaper

6. The Paul Jenden Costume Designer of the Year

:

Ian Harman - The Mystery of Edwin Drood

7. Lighting Designer of the Year

:

Jen Lal – All Our Sons

8. Set Designer of the Year

:

Ian Harman – Ache

9. Sound Designer of the Year

:

Maaka McGregor – All Our Sons

10. Most Original Production

:

All Our Sons – Taki Rua Productions / Circa Theatre

11. The Constance Scott Kircaldie Outstanding Composer of Music

:

Phil Jones – The Kitchen at the End of the World

12. Absolutely Positively Outstanding New New Zealand Play

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Not in our Neighbourhood – Jamie McCaskill / Tikapa Productions

13. Supporting Actor of the Year

:

Jamie McCaskill – Seed

14. Supporting Actress of the Year

:

Brianne Kerr – Richard III

15. The Richard Campion Accolade for Outstanding Performance

:

Renee Lyons – Ache

16. The Dorothy McKegg Actress of the Year

:

Kali Kopae – Not In Our Neighbourhood

17. The Grant Tilly Actor of the Year

:

Rob Mokaraka – All Our Sons

18. Director of the Year

:

Nathaniel Lees – All Our Sons

19. Production of the Year

:

All Our Sons – Taki Rua Productions / Circa Theatre

20. Critics’ Wildcard

:

Tawata Production

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Outstanding Contribution to the Wellington Theatre

:

Tim Gordon

Outstanding Contribution to Wellington Theatre

:

Neil Gray

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