Friel play picks up Tony Award in New York

Brian Friel's Faith Heale r has picked up a Tony award in New York.

Brian Friel's Faith Healer has picked up a Tony award in New York.

Ian McDiarmid, was named best supporting actor in a play. The play was a among three Irish works nominated for awards.

Martin McDonagh's The Lieutenant of Inishmoreand Conor McPherson's Shining Citywere also nominated.

But last night's ceremony handed Alan Bennett's The History Boyssix awards including best play, and the 1960s Four Seasons biographical show Jersey Boysovercame the stigma against "jukebox musicals" to win best musical.

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The History Boysdominated the drama category, winning best director, actor and supporting actress, as well as best play, adding to a clutch of awards it picked up in London where it started life at the National Theatre.

The honors for musicals were more evenly divided, with Jersey Boyswinning four, including best actor for John Lloyd Young, and supporting actor, Christian Hoff.

Its main rival, The Drowsy Chaperone, a parody of 1920s musicals, won five awards, including best book and best score, as well as best supporting actress for Beth Leavel.