"IT MAY seem strange to be out here in Santry, but in fact, our new address for these ceremonies has great significance in the history of The Irish Times," explained Irish Timesmanaging editor Gerry Smyth at the 11th Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards in the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Smyth went on to explain that Santry Hall had been the mythical residence of Irish Timescolumnist Myles na gCopaleen.
He saluted the awards three judges, Christopher Fitz-Simon, Madeline Boughton and John Fairleigh. "There usually comes a point close to the end of each judging period when I dare to ask the three [ judges] about their experience," said Smyth.
"I suppose it's a way of finding out whether they hold me responsible for one of the worst or best years of their lives."
Speaking for the judges, Christopher Fitz-Simon was quick to suggest the latter, paying tribute to the standard they witnessed on the Irish stage. He said they were particularly impressed by the strength of the new work on offer.
"The variety of new plays - variety of topic, of theme, of mode, of expression - impressed us tremendously," he said. He also praised the "appreciative and sophisticated" Irish audiences, citing as an example strong attendance at a Handel opera performed in the Source Arts Centre in Thurles. "Handel? Thurles? Twenty years ago this would have been unimaginable," he said.
The three judges viewed over 140 theatre productions all over Ireland last year, and suggested some new award categories for consideration based on their experiences.
"We did think that if a couple of new categories could be considered, then they might be for Sound Design (which would embrace musical composition), an increasingly important creative element in production; and perhaps an award for the best - the most efficient, the most welcoming - venue," said Fitz-Simon.
They did register some disappointments. "Derry, the fourth largest city in the island, produced astonishingly little," said Fitz-Simon.
The overall verdict from the three judges was resoundingly positive, however. "The real excitement, the real pleasure, of the past year, has been to witness, night upon wingèd night, the real professionals in action, and to have the privilege of being able to proclaim that the professional theatre in this country is in the best of hands," said Fitz-Simon.
He also thanked Smyth for his work with The Irish TimesTheatre Awards. "Gerry Smyth has been praised before, many times, and he should be praised again for he is The Irish TimesTheatre Awards and were it not for him there it is clear that would be no such thing," said Fitz-Simon.
For his part, Smyth honoured members of the theatrical profession who died during the year, among them Joan O'Hara, Tom Murphy, Peter Caffrey, Frank O'Dwyer and Don Foley.
He also paid special tribute to the departing deputy director of the Gate Theatre Marie Rooney, who after 30 years at the theatre, is leaving to work on other projects.
"Marie is now closing the gate on a long career of distinction in Cavendish Row, a role she fulfilled with quiet modesty," said Smyth. "She embarks now on new ventures for which we wish her great success."