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Honorary OBE for The Gate's Colgan

The Gate Theatre's Director, Michael Colgan, has been awarded an Honorary OBE by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of services to cultural relations between the UK and Ireland.
1 of 1 Colgan - "I am truly surprised and genuinely grateful"
Colgan - "I am truly surprised and genuinely grateful"

The British Ambassador to Ireland, Julian King, said that Colgan had "built up an extraordinary relationship with leading playwrights, producers and directors not only in Ireland but also in the United Kingdom".

He added that Colgan's work had "given many leading British actors the opportunity to experience the joy of performing in front of a warm and sophisticated Irish audience".

Commenting on the award, Colgan said: "I am truly surprised and genuinely grateful to receive this award.

"For 27 years I've had the most wonderful time working with the best of talent in Irish and British theatre. 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.

"Because I've been so long at this fine institution, there can be no question but that this award should be shared by all who have worked with me at the Gate. I know that one person who would have been particularly pleased is my dear friend, the late, great Harold Pinter.

"I look forward to many years bringing together the extraordinary talent that exists in both countries. "

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