December 9, 2024

Celebrating excellence: the Wellington Theatre Awards 2024

In a night of glamour, celebration and community spirit, the 2024 Wellington Theatre Awards, Ngā Whakarākei O Whātaitai, took place on December 8 at the Wellington Opera House.

Hosted by the dazzling Tīwhas, the evening honoured the immense talent and dedication of Wellington’s theatre community. From newcomers to seasoned professionals, the awards highlighted achievements across all facets of theatre.

This year’s ceremony was marked by the introduction of newly named awards that recognise the legacy of respected individuals who have shaped the arts in Aotearoa. It was also the first time the new Backstage Production Award Sponsored by Grouse Lighting was presented, celebrating excellence in the vital roles behind the scenes.

The evening was a testament to the strength, creativity and collaboration of Wellington’s theatre community, with Pacific excellence shining through many of the accolades.

The Wellington Theatre Awards 2024 were a night to remember, celebrating not only the artistic achievements of individuals but also the collective spirit of the theatre community. The Opera House buzzed with excitement, laughter and heartfelt applause as winners were announced, stories shared and excellence honoured.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS:

Judges Awards:

Most Promising Newcomer Award in honour of Willem Wassenaar
Katalaina Polata’ivao-Saute – The Savage Coloniser Show

Most Promising Newcomer Award in honour of George Webby
Stela Dara Resende Albuquerque – Show Do Cafe

Backstage Production Award sponsored by Grouse Lighting
Eleanor Strathern

Lighting Designer of the Year
Rowan Pierce – Belle – A Performance of Air

Costume Designer of the Year in honour of Paul Jenden
Rhys Tunley – Lizzie the Musical

Set Designer of the Year in honour of Raymond Boyce
Meg Rollandi – Gravity & Grace, and the Lochburns

Sound Designer of the Year sponsored by HardKase Audio
Te Aihe Butler – Heartbreak Hotel

Outstanding Composer of Music in honour of Constance Scott Kirkcaldie
Eden Mulholland, Jol Mulholland and Anita Clark
Belle – A Performance of Air

New Playwright of the Year in honour of Peter Harcourt
Andy Manning – False Idol

New Aotearoa Play of the Year in honour of Renée
The Savage Coloniser Show

Excellence Award for Movement
Belle – A Performance of Air(Malia Johnston and Jenny Ritchie)

Excellence Award for Ensemble
The Savage Coloniser Show

Most Original Production of the Year
The Tīwhas: A Matariki Spectacular

Director of the Year in honour of Richard Campion
Anapela Polata’ivao – The Savage Coloniser Show

Accolade for Outstanding Performance in honour of Ray Henwood
Stacey Leilua – The Savage Coloniser Show

Accolade for Outstanding Performance in honour of Michele Amas
Jake Tupu – Dawn Raids

Actor of the Year in honour of Dorothy McKegg
Bronwyn Turei – Sense and Sensibility; Treasure Island

Actor of the Year in honour of Grant Tilly
Karin McCracken – Gravity & Grace, Heartbreak Hotel, Disaster

Production of the Year in honour of Bill Sheat
Gravity & Grace

Mayoral Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre
Dr Kerryn Palmer

Community Awards

Outstanding Contribution to Community Award
Emilie Hope

Outstanding Contribution to Community Award
Lyndee-Jane Rutherford

Outstanding Contribution to Community Award
Madeline McNamara

Outstanding Contribution to Community Award
Slay West