NSW Government congratulates 12th Annual Helpmann Award Winners

Mr Souris, who presented Paul Capsis, Julian Meyrick and Hilary Bell from the Griffin Theatre Company for Angela's Kitchen with the award for Best New Australian Work.

Mr Souris said it had been a tremendous year for live entertainment in Australia, particularly NSW and Sydney, with a dream run of major musical productions
including, Annie, Mary Poppins and An Officer and a Gentleman, and the blockbuster Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of La Traviata which won four major Helpmann Awards. 

“The Helpmanns are the premier awards event for the live performance industry, highlighting the significant contribution the sector makes to our State and country, engaging and entertaining the community through the arts.

“Like most Australians, I am a real fan of our live performance culture and greatly admire the artistic brilliance and creativity celebrated through the Helpmann Awards held Sydney, the live performance capital of Australia.

“The extraordinary talent of our vibrant live performance industry continues to shine both on stage and behind the scenes.

“Sydney is now Australia’s number one city for first run musicals and there is no doubt our global city is also home to the country’s foremost performing arts companies. 

“Destination NSW estimates that live stage productions can generate $20 million over a six month run in direct economic impact for NSW.

“With 37 per cent of Australia’s creative industry located in NSW, supporting creative industries is a large part of the NSW Government’s strategy to rebuild the NSW economy. 

“This Government, through Destination NSW, has been investing in the Helpmanns since 2009 and last year we re-affirmed our commitment to the arts by announcing a three-year investment in the Awards until 2014.” 

See media release below for a list of winners.