AusLeisure

Live Performance Australia (LPA) have announced the nominees in the 42 categories of the Helpmann Awards at simultaneous events in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

With the 19th Annual Helpmann Awards to be presented in Melbourne for the very first time on 14th and 15th July, LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson stated “we are delighted to be presenting the 42 Helpmann Awards over two nights for the very first time in Melbourne.

“Over the past 18 years the Helpmann Awards have had 12,000 entries and announced over 2,900 Nominees which highlight the artistry and excellence in Australia’s dynamic live performance industry which is enjoyed by over 18 million people each year.”

The Helpmann Awards are the premier celebration of Australia’s vibrant live performance industry. The Awards recognise distinguished achievement and excellence in Australia’s live performance sectors including musicals, contemporary music, comedy, opera and classical music, theatre, ballet, dance and physical theatre, presentations for children and young people, regional touring and cabaret.

Also announced was the winner in the Best Special Event category, which will be presented to MONA for Dark Mofo 2018.

This especially bestowed award recognizes outstanding live performance production or presentations that has a unique or exceptional character.

Hobart’s Dark Mofo is a midwinter festival that celebrates art, music and culture by exploring the links between ancient and contemporary mythology, humans and nature, religious and secular traditions, darkness and light and birth, death and renewal. Established in 2013, Dark Mofo has quickly developed iconic status and is a popular and challenging multi-arts festival like no other in Australia.

The Awards will be presented in two parts at the Arts Centre Melbourne.

Act I on Sunday 14th July will see the gravitas of Australia’s most prestigious live theatre and entertainment awards meet the atmosphere of a sophisticated jazz lounge, for an up close, upbeat, exclusive industry-only night to remember.

Hosted by the legendary performer, writer, artistic director and national treasure Robyn Archer AO, this special evening will recognise artistic excellence and achievements on stage as well as the creative and technical genies behind the scenes.

The 2019 Sue Nattrass Award for exceptional service to the live performance industry will be presented to long standing Artistic Director of La Mama Theatre, Liz Jones AO. The evening’s performances will include The Jack Earle Jazz Trio, the dazzling Rhonda Burchmore OAM and the musical theatre stars of Swing on This.

Act II on Monday 15th July is a black-tie gala event, saluting artistic excellence and achievement on Australian stages over the past year including musicals, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, ballet, dance, physical theatre and cabaret. Hosted by the fabulous dynamic duo of comedian, writer and actor Susie Youssef and actor, singer, writer and director Mitchell Butel. This year’s special guest presenters include Kate Miller-Heidke, Keir Nuttall, Paul Kelly AO, Greta Bradman and James Egglestone. The 2019 JC Williamson Award for outstanding contribution to, and for changing our industry for the better will be presented to the legendary singer songwriter Kev Carmody.

Acclaimed performances will include Victorian Opera with their new work Lorelei featuring Ali McGregor, Dimity Shepherd and Danielle Calder; The Australian Ballet with a new piece from Aurum by choreographer Alice Topp; Bangarra dancers Beau Dean Riley Smith, Rikki Mason, Tyrel Dulvarie, Ryan Pearson, Baden Hitchcock and Bradley Smith in an excerpt from the Helpmann Award winning production Bennelong, a special performance from mesmerizing electronic soul pop duo Electric Fields; much loved musical theatre performer Silvie Paladino; and bringing the show home will be sensational Brent Hill and the extraordinary kids from the hit musical School of Rock. Once again, The Helpmann Awards Orchestra will be led by exceptional musical director Vanessa Scammell.

Click here to view the full list of nominations.

Images: Helpmann Awards 2019 hosts Robyn Archer, Susie Youssef and Mitchell Butel (top, courtesy of Jim Lee) and the Arts Centre Melbourne by night (below).

Related Articles

7th June 2019 - Kev Carmody awarded for outstanding contribution to the Australian live entertainment industry

29th April 2019 - La Mama Artistic Director Liz Jones to receive Sue Nattrass Award

17th July 2018 - Sydney Theatre Company wins in 10 categories at 2018 Helpmann Awards

16th July 2018 - Bangarra Dance Theatre and Muriel’s Wedding The Musical the early winners at 2018 Helpmann Awards

29th June 2018 - Nominations announced for 18th Annual Helpmann Awards

22nd June 2018 - Backlash follows Hobart Mayor’s Dark Mofo threats

23rd September 2017 - Arts Centre Melbourne to be home to Australia’s music hall of fame

24th June 2017 - Dark Mofo welcomes massive attendance rise

18th December 2013 - New Hamer Hall welcomes almost 400,000 patrons in first year of operations

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.