Further to the nominations announced on 18 June by the industry group Live Performance Australia, the presentation of this year’s Helpmann Awards were spread over two separate evenings.
Act 1 on Sunday 15 July at Sydney Town Hall was the curtain raiser acknowledging the achievements of Australia’s best creative and design artists who work behind the scenes in support roles. The Awards are a celebration of Australia’s live performance industry recognising excellence across a range of categories including musicals, comedy and cabaret, opera, dance, classical music, theatre and ballet. The 20 awards announced at the Helpmann Awards Act 1 on Sunday complements the dynamic performing arts talent fiercely competitive in a thriving industry.
The Town Hall celebration on Sunday was a cocktail gathering hosted by Rhonda Roberts and Michael Lynch. The live performances for the night included Monkey Baa Theatre Company, the Sydney Youth Orchestra Quartet, Georgina Hopson and opera duo Andrew Jones and Jenny Liu.
Act 2, the main event of the Helpmann Awards on Monday 16 July was a full-house at Sydney’s stunning Capitol Theatre on the set of Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical. Hosts for the evening included Glenn A. Baker, Rafael Bonachela, David Campbell, Jacqueline Dark, Anne Edmonds and Tony Sheldon. The entertainment included pieces from Priscilla, Muriel’s Wedding and Funny Girl, an impressive duet by Sydney Dance Company dancers, and a performance from Brisbane indie pop band Sheppard and a moving poem read by Maggie Dence – In Memoriam. ABC TV filmed both events and broadcast live on Monday night.
There was the announcement of the five 2017 Centenary Sue Nattrass Award winners – Carillo Gantner AO, Ian McRae AO, Susan Proven AO, Rhoda Roberts AO and Frank Van Straten AM. As well five 2017 Centenary JC Williamson award winners were announced – Robyn Archer AO, Reg Livermore AO, Robyn Nevin AM, Archie Roach and Jim Sharman.
The red carpet was, of course, the glamorous aspect of this celebration and what better way to stand out from the crowd – wearing the costumes and attire that best suits this occasion. Dressed to impress were many a stage personality walking the red carpet and looking their glamorous best. Rhonda Burchmore added the required fun and humour to the moving parade.
Apart from the 20 Helpmann Awards announced at Sydney Town Hall on Sunday evening, the rest of the 23 awards were presented at the grand main event on Monday Night.
Among the main winners in the performing arts, Stephen Page’s Bangarra Dance Theatre took out a deserving haul of 7 awards over two evenings with Bennelong reaping the peak honours. Accolades include awards for best new Australian work, best dance production, best male dancer, choreography, scenic design and lighting. As well, an award for the regional tour of Our Land People Stories.
Although Muriel’s Wedding received 11 nominations, it only walked away with 5 awards including best original score, music direction, costume design, sound design and choreography.
Beautiful: The Carol King Musical won 6 awards with the show taking out the bulk of the music theatre awards including best musical, direction and all 4 acting awards.
The other Helpmann winners: best Ballet – Alice’s adventures in Wonderland; best Opera – Hamlet; best play – The Children; best male actor in a play – Hugo Weaving; best female actor in a play –Pamela Rabe; best male actor in a musical – David Campbell; best comedy performer, Cella Pacquola – All talk; best cabaret performer, Taylor Mac – a 24-decade history of popular music;
Both of the Helpmann Award events were directed by internationally renowned producer, director and choreographer, David Atkins.
The celebrations continued late into the night with an After Party at the Sydney Town Hall.
