In 2015 the Cultural Capital was host to 191 theatre events, all of which were celebrated Sunday 6 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, unnanimous 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 indiginous playwrighting. 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.
Signifiacant Contributions to Theatre were given to Neil Grey 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 acknowlege 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.
Full list of 2015 winners.
Mayor’s Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre
The Critics
Most Promising Male Newcomer
Andrew Paterson – The Angry Brigade
Most Promising Female Newcomer
Carrie Green – Conversations With My Penis
The George Webby Most Promising New Director
Miriama McDowell – Nga Pou Wahine
The Peter Harcourt Outstanding New Playwright
Helen Vivienne Fletcher – How To Catch A Grim Reaper
The Paul Jenden Costume Designer of the Year
Ian Harman - The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Lighting Designer of the Year
Jen Lal – All Our Sons
Set Designer of the Year
Ian Harman – Ache
Sound Designer of the Year
Maaka McGregor – All Our Sons
Most Original Production
All Our Sons – Taki Rua Productions / Circa Theatre
The Constance Scott Kircaldie Outstanding Composer of Music
Phil Jones – The Kitchen at the End of the World
Absolutely Positively Outstanding New New Zealand Play
Not in our Neighbourhood – Tikapa Productions
Supporting Actor of the Year
Jamie McCaskill – Seed
Supporting Actress of the Year
Brianne Kerr – Richard III
The Richard Campion Accolade for Outstanding Performance
Renee Lyons – Ache
The Dorothy McKegg Actress of the Year
Kali Kopae – Not In Our Neighbourhood
The Grant Tilly Actor of the Year
Rob Mokaraka – All Our Sons
Director of the Year
Nathaniel Lees – All Our Sons
Production of the Year
All Our Sons – Taki Rua Productions / Circa Theatre
Critics’ Wildcard
Tawata Productions
Outstanding Contribution to the Wellington Theatre
Tim Gordon
Outstanding Contribution to Wellington Theatre
Neil Gray
Source: Wellington Theatre Awards
07/12/2015
