Honorary OBE for director Colgan
Theatre director Michael Colgan has been awarded an honorary OBE by the Queen
Thursday March 18 2010
Renowned theatre director Michael Colgan said he was truly surprised to be awarded an honorary OBE by the Queen.
The 60-year-old Dubliner, who has been the driving force behind the Gate Theatre for more than a quarter of a century, was recognised for forging cultural relations between the UK and Ireland.
"I am truly surprised and genuinely grateful to receive this award," he said.
Colgan, who is also a film and television producer, has produced many award-winning plays and festivals including four Harold Pinter festivals and six Samuel Beckett festivals.
Many of his productions have been seen throughout the world, including Beijing, New York, Sydney, Toronto, London and Melbourne.
"For 27 years I've had the most wonderful time working with the best of talent in Irish and British theatre," he said, after receiving his award.
"Bringing Gate productions to the UK and British talent to the Gate has been so rewarding in itself that it seems almost unfair to be honoured for doing so."
Colgan said his award would be shared by all who worked with him at the Gate.
British Ambassador to Dublin Julian King said Colgan had made an exceptional contribution to cultural relations between the UK and Ireland.
"He has given many leading British actors the opportunity to experience the joy of performing in front of a warm and sophisticated Irish audience," he said. "It is right and fitting to honour the major contribution he has made in raising the British profile in the cultural life of Ireland."
