Top accolades have been handed out to Auckland's best and brightest theatre-makers.
The annual Auckland Theatre Awards, now in their eighth year, were held this week in front of around 350 members of the region's theatre community, including Antonia Prebble and Jennifer Ward-Lealand. Actor and comedian Kura Forrester hosted the event, which included skits, songs and - of course - awards.
Winners included retiring Auckland Arts Festival director Carla van Zon who received a Lifetime Achievement award and Lester McGrath, Auckland Theatre Company's general manager who was recognised for entrepreneurial achievement for his leadership in making the ASB Waterfront Theatre a reality.
As well van Zon and McGrath, other Excellence Award winners were: [RT1] Morgana O'Reilly for her performance as Vanda Jordan in Venus in Fur; Te Po, That Bloody Woman, The White Guitar, Don Juan and Potato Stamp Megalomaniac for best overall productions; Anapela Polataivao for her direction of Wild Dogs Under My Skirts; Jennifer Ludlam for her portrayal of Arthur in Boys Will be Boys and Andrew Foster who was acknowledged for his set designs for Te Po, To Kill a Mockingbird, Defending the J.J. Mac, Thomus and Vernon God Little.
Best newcomers were also rewarded with producer Nicky Vella, stage manager and producer Natasha Hoyland and actor Tim Earl receiving accolades.
