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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Clare McCarthy

Paul Mescal wins prestigious Olivier Award for Best Actor for his role in West End production

Paul Mescal has won a Olivier Awards for his role in the new stage adaptation of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire.

The Kildare native, 27, was honoured with the award for Best Actor at the prestigious theatre awards for his portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in the West End.

Normal People actor Mescal used his acceptance speech to honour his mother, Dearbhla, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.

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During his speech, he thanked his mother, and said: “I hope you get better.”

The Olivier Awards is the biggest night in British theatre and took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday, hosted by Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham.

Oscar-nominated actor Mescal was up for best actor against host of stars including David Tennant for Good; Tom Hollander for Patriots; Rafe Spall for To Kill A Mockingbird; and Giles Terera for Blues For An Alabama Sky in the male category.

Jodie Comer also secured a top gong at the Olivier Awards winning Best Actress for her role as Tessa in Prima Facie.

The Killing Eve star, 30, has received critical acclaim for her part in the one-person production by Suzie Miller at the Harold Pinter Theatre. She will be taking the play to Broadway later this month.

During her acceptance speech, Comer said: “I’m so overwhelmed. This play has changed my life. I am so grateful and I have so many people to thank. To Suzie Miller for writing the most exquisite play I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

“One thing I would like to say to any kids who haven’t been to drama school, who can’t afford to go to drama school, who have been rejected from drama school, don’t let anyone tell you that it isn’t possible.

“It might take the stars to align and you to be met with generous, kind, patient people, but it is possible. Mum, Dad, I love you, and my Grandad is 82 today so happy birthday.”

The Olivier Awards 2023 will broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX from 10.15pm to 12.20am.

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