
Jeremy Irons, Sinead Cusack and Ralph Fiennes were among the big names who said goodbye to Gate Theatre Director Michael Colgan at his goodbye lunch in Chapter One.
After 33 years at the theatre Colgan will stand down on April 1, with Selina Cartmell taking on the role of Director.
He intends to continue producing the occasional theatre show with his new production company Clare Street.
He is also working on several new film and television projects.
Speaking about leaving the theatre he said his time there as a "gift".
"It was a gift to look after the theatre for so long. And it's an honour to hand it over again."
The sold out final show of Colgan’s valedictory festival ‘Beckett Friel and Pinter Festival’ plays this evening with Ingrid Craigie, Sinead Cusack, Ralph Fiennes, Jeremy Irons, and Barry McGovern performing readings.