Held at the Lyric Theatre, Star City Sydney, the 8th annual Helpmann Awards were a dazzling night showcasing Australia’s live performers. Established in 2001 by Live Performance Australia, The Helpmann Awards recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the many disciplines of Australia's vibrant live performance sectors. These sectors include musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, dance and physical theatre.

The Helpmann Awards are named in honour of Sir Robert Helpmann.  The Helpmann Awards recognise, celebrate and promote our live performance industry, similar to the Tony Awards on Broadway. This year’s ceremony saw the presentation of awards in 41 categories. In addition, Barry Humphries AO CBE and Sue Nattrass AO were honoured as the recipients of the prestigious J C Williamson Award that recognises their outstanding contributions to the Australian live performance industry, with tributes from Bruce Beresford and Kim Williams AM.

Jonathan Biggins and Julia Zemiro, both acclaimed actors, broadcasters and comedians, jointly MC’d the awards ceremony. The ceremony included performances by the casts of The Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliot The Musical, The Rocky Horror Show and Guys and Dolls. There were also performances by My Fair Lady, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Australian Children’s Music Foundation, The Umbilical Brothers, Ray Crowe, the NG Twins, Vanessa Amorosi and Ana Marina.

Award Presenters included Kelley Abbey, Cate Blanchett, Maina Gielgud, Rafael Bonachela, David Campbell, Kate Ceberano, Jason Coleman, Damien Leith, Lisa McCune and Caroline O’Connor, among others.

Nominees attending the event, in various categories included Steven Heathcote, The Four Billy’s (from Billy Elliot the Musical), Gideon Obarzanek, Bruce Beresford, Lloyd Newson, Collette Mann, Catherine McClements, Julia Morris, Lola Nixon, Marina Prior, Guy Sebastian, The Umbilical Brothers and Anthony Warlow.

And the winners are…

Best Costume Design
Julie Lynch
Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show
Howard Panter and Paul Dainty for Rocky Horror Australia and Star City

Best Scenic Design
Dan Potra
Dead Man Walking
Andrew McManus Presents and Alexander Productions

Best Lighting Design
Rick Fisher
Billy Elliot the Musical
Universal Pictures Stage Entertainment, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions

Best Sound Design
Gareth Fry
Black Watch
National Theatre of Scotland, presented by Sydney Festival & Perth International Arts Festival
and Brisbane Powerhouse

Best Regional Touring Production
Keating!
Company B

Best Special Event
The Choir of Hard Knocks
Sydney Opera House and Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Best Original Score
Barrie Kosky
The Tell-Tale Heart
Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne International Arts Festival

Best Music Direction
Stephen Amos