You might have seen her in yesterday’s papers, or on a tube poster on your commute to work, but if you don't recognize Denise Gough yet, she is the ONE to watch.
This week she was crowned 2016's best actress at the Olivier Awards for her highly emotional portrayal of an addict in play 'People, Places and Things'.
Who is she?
The Irish actress from New Ross, County Wexford graduated from the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in 2003. She made her breakout on TV in Casualty, The Bill, and Silent Witness, but it's on the stage where she made her name as she was nominated in 2012 by the Evening Standard Awards for her roles in 'Our New Girl' and 'Desire Under the Elms'.
And what's the play about?
People, Places & Things is a portrayal of an addict in rehab. Denise stars as Emma - an actor addicted to everything who checks herself into rehab to turn her life around.
Sounds like a laugh a minute?
Not quite, but do expect to cry, even Meryl Streep was brought to tears after she saw the show.
What are the reviews saying?
The guardian wrote on Denise; ‘She breathtakingly captures Emma’s mix of dependency, delusion and scepticism: she never judges the character but plays her from her own point of view as a woman whose vulnerability is matched by a lone-wolf obduracy. It is an astonishing performance.’
Ok, sold. Where can I see it?
After a successful run at the National Theatre, it's moved to the west end theatre Wyndham Theatre.
