The 13th Annual Helpmann Awards have been announced in a ceremony at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
Co-hosts Eddie Perfect and Christie Whelan Browne kicked off the night’s proceedings with an incredibly entertaining opening number written specifically for the occasion by the multi-talented Mr Perfect himself.
The Helpmann Awards recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence across the major disciplines of Australia’s live performance industry. In total 43 awards were presented by some of Australia’s most celebrated talent.
Further showcasing Australia’s unique and diverse live performance industry, show highlights included live performances by Tim Minchin, the casts of Grease and Hot Shoe Shuffle, Sydney Dance Company, Silvie Paladino and the Sydney Children’s Choir, Emma Birdsall and Timomatic.
In addition, as previously announced pop music icon Kylie Minogue OBE and Arts philanthropist David Blenkinsop CBE AM were co-recipients of the 2013 JC Williamson Award.
This year the Helpmann Awards also made two additional presentations, the first awarded to White Night Melbourne for Best Special Event.
Further to this the Industry Awards Panel and Helpmann Awards Administration Committee felt strongly that the ground breaking Australian creation of King Kong, the first of its kind in the world, was worthy of individual recognition and created a new award to honour this. Outstanding Theatrical Achievement was presented for the design, creation and operation of King Kong – the creature.
Chief Executive, Live Performance Australia, Evelyn Richardson said “Tonight we celebrated the very best of our talented live performance industry.”
“Our annual Ticketing Survey 2012 released today shows that the industry remains strong with ticket sales and attendances stable and revenue exceeding $1.2 billion. More than 16 million people attended live events in 2012 indicating that Australians continue to engage with and be entertained by our wonderful productions across all the live performance genres.”
For more information on all the Award Winners, click here.
Image: Legally Blonde – winner of 5 Helpmann Awards
