The Northern Irish drama The Ferryman has won the prestigious best play gong at the Tony theatre awards in the US.
The production, written by Jez Butterworth, is set in Co Armagh during the Troubles in 1981 and tells the story of a former IRA man.
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Accepting the award on stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York, Butterworth dedicated the award to all the families who had lost loved ones in the Troubles.
It’s here: the winner for Best Play! The 2019 Tony Award goes to @TheFerrymanBway by Jez Butterworth. #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/76j9iD68IY
— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) June 10, 2019
The play's director Sam Mendes also picked up the best direction of a play award, his first directing Tony.
He was not at the ceremony, but a message posted on the play's Twitter account read: "I have lost count of the times on this job that I've counted my lucky stars.
"And now, again, I'm left to reflect on what a privilege - what an absolute privilege it is - to be able to tell stories for a living."
A message from Sam Mendes, Tony Award winner for Best Direction:
— The Ferryman on Broadway (@TheFerrymanBway) June 10, 2019
"I have lost count of the times on this job that I’ve counted my lucky stars. And now, again, I’m left to reflect on what a privilege - what an absolute privilege it is - to be able to tell stories for a living."
The production also picked up the awards for best scenic design and best costume design.
Laura Donnelly - whose family story inspired the play - was beaten by Elaine May in the best actress in a leading role category, while Paddy Considine and Fionnula Flanagan also missed out on gongs.
James Corden hosted the 2019 Tony awards, kicking the night off with a nine-minute musical tribute to Broadway.
