Playwright Martin McDonagh won the Olivier Award for Best New Play at last night's 2004 Olivier Awards ceremony in London.
The prestigious Olivier Awards, established in 1976, are presented by the Society of London Theatre.
McDonagh's 'The Pillowman' is the tale of a storyteller whose dark fables get him into trouble with the police who accuse him of a series of grisly murders.
It is currently at the National Cottesloe in London in a production starring Jim Broadbent, David Tennant, Adam Godley and Nigel Lindsay.
Last year McDonagh took the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy for 'The Lieutenant Of Inishmore'.
Other winners included TV presenter Matthew Kelly who took Best Actor for his performance as the gentle giant, Lenny, in 'Of Mice and Men'; Best Actress went to Eileen Atkins for 'Honour'; Michael Grandage was named Best Director for 'Caligula' at the Donmar Warehouse and 'Pacific Overtures', also at the Donmar Warehouse, was awarded Outstanding Musical Production.
'Jerry Springer - The Opera' took four awards, including Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical for David Bedella, Best Sound Design and Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical went to the 22-member chorus.
Kevin Spacey presented the Society's Special Award to Judi Dench for her outstanding contribution to British theatre.
