December 7, 2015

WELLINGTON THEATRE AWARDS 2015  

In 2015 the Cultural Capital was host to 191 theatre events, all of which were celebrated Sunday 6^th 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. 

WINNERS LIST 
[Listed in the order of presentation]  

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 of the year 
Miriama McDowell – Nga Pou Wahine 

The Peter Harcourt Outstanding New Playwright of the Year
Helen Vivienne Fletcher – How To Catch A Grim Reaper 

The Judges’ Wildcard Award  
Miria George and Hone Kouka, Tawata Productions – The Matariki Festival 

Thank You to Chapman Tripp & Outstanding Contribution to Wellington Theatre Award
Neil Gray 

Lighting Designer of the Year
Jen Lal – All Our Sons

Set Designer of the Year
Ian Harman – Ache

Set Designer of the Year
Ian Harman – Ache

The Paul Jenden Costume Designer of the Year
Ian Harman – The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Sound Designer of the Year
Maaka McGregor – All Our Sons

The Mayor’s Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre
The Critics

The Constance Kirkaldie Award for Outstanding Composer of Music
Phil Jones – The Kitchen at the End of the World

The Absolutely Positively Most Original Production of the Year
All Our Sons – Taki Rua Productions / Circa Theatre

Outstanding New New Zealand Play
Not in our Neighbourhood – Jamie McCaskill

Supporting Actor of the Year
Jamie McCaskill – Seed

Supporting Actress of the Year
Brianne Kerr – Richard III

Outstanding Performance
Renee Lyons – Ache

Actress of the Year
Kali Kopae – Not In Our Neighbourhood 

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

Outstanding Contribution to the Wellington Theatre Awards
Tim Gordon

Full list of nominees (with links to their production pages)