Stella takes theatre gong

Stella triumphed at the 13th annual Irish Theatre Awards in Vicar Street, Dublin, picking up Best Actress for her role in the Lyric Theatre's production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

68-year-old Stella played Mag in the drama by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh.

It was staged in the Elmwood Hall, Belfast, the Lyric’s temporary production theatre, last September and October before going on tour. It also enjoyed successful runs at London's West End, and Broadway, and off-Broadway theatres in New York.

A delighted Stella said: “I am thrilled and delighted to win the award. It was unexpected and I wasn’t even thinking about an award until I saw my nomination in the paper.

“I love my work and it is lovely to be thought of in this special way. I was very happy to be with friends and colleagues at the awards ceremony.

"I feel honoured to win and pleased that the Lyric Theatre will also receive recognition for this achievement. The Lyric theatre gave me the opportunity to perform all those years ago and I feel so privileged to receive this accolade”.

The Lyric’s artistic director, Richard Croxford, who also directed the play, said: “I am thrilled that Stella has received the recognition she deserved for such a magnificent performance and interpretation of what is a difficult character to portray. The award is a fantastic achievement for local acting talent.”