Live Performance Australia (LPA) have announced that the 14th Annual Helpmann Awards will be held on Monday 18 August 2014 at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre.
The Helpmann Awards are the premier awards event for Australia’s vibrant live entertainment and performing arts industry and celebrate the significant contribution the sector makes to the greater Australian community.
The Awards recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence across the major disciplines of Australia’s live performance industry, including musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, cabaret, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre. They also incorporate the JC Williamson Award for outstanding contribution to the Australian live performance industry.
“The Helpmann Awards are the pinnacle ‘night of nights’ event for our industry, recognising the very best in live performances that annually attract over 16.2 million people to shows across the country with revenues topping $1.2 billion,” says Evelyn Richardson, Chief Executive of Live Performance Australia (LPA).
“This year’s Awards ceremony will be held at Sydney’s iconic Capitol Theatre. The rich history of this venue represents the commitment, strength and spirit of the live performance community in Australia.”
LPA is also delighted to confirm that Foxtel’s ARENA will again officially broadcast The Helpmann Awards in 2014. ARENA features some of the biggest names in Australian and global entertainment making it the perfect vehicle to bring The Helpmann Awards into people’s homes across the country.
“Foxtel is, once again, proud to bring all the excitement of Australian live performance to television audiences as we broadcast the 2014 Helpmann Awards on Arena, direct from Sydney’s majestic Capitol Theatre.” said Brian Walsh, Foxtel’s Executive Director of Television.
“The Helpmanns extends our commitment to providing a television showcase of the best in Australian live entertainment. This annual event is an integral part of our programming calendar each year and this year’s event promises to be on a grand scale, beginning with, The Circle Of Life – the spectacular opening number from Disney’s The Lion King.” he said.
Returning to the role of Executive Producer is Jon Nicholls who has a long and successful history with the The Helpmann Awards, having produced 7 of the 14 Awards shows to date. Jon is currently assembling a stellar creative team for the 2014 Awards ceremony including Stuart Maunder as Director and Phil Scott as writer.
“I am delighted to be returning as Executive Producer especially as we will be presenting the Awards on the set of The Lion King, the Helpmanns, first multi award winning production, having won six Helpmanns including ‘Best Musical,” says Jon Nicholls.
For more information about the 14th Annual Helpmann Awards, visit: www.helpmannawards.com.au for details.
Image: Buyi Zama as Rafiki in Circle of Life from The Lion King – photograph by Deen van Meer ©Disney