2021 Helpmann Awards cancelled

The Helpmann Awards are cancelled for a second year.

Its organiser Live Performance Australia (LPA) made the decision, citing the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, and its impact on live performance venues and productions across the country.

“Due to the impact of COVID on our industry over the past 12 months, it’s not feasible to proceed with presenting the 2021 Helpmann Awards,” said LPA chief executive Evelyn Richardson.

“Our industry is only now getting back to work and there is still more to be done to ensure we can fully operate in every state and territory at 100% capacity in all indoor and outdoor venues.

“For our live music sector in particular, some significant challenges remain before it can fully reactivate.”

Richardson and LPA had previously targeted October 2021 as the month where the live sector would get back to work, based on promises by the Government of vaccination rates by spring.

LPA will now reimagine the Helpmanns for 2022 onwards, with updates to be made in the second half of this year.

“Our priority right now continues to be getting all of our industry across the country fully operational, back on stage and touring, Richardson emphasised.

“We have focused all of our resources on reopening in a COVIDSafe way so that we are part of Australia’s economic and social recovery.

“We are heartened by the support of patrons and fans across the country who are coming back to our theatres and live music venues.

“Our aim is to bring back to millions of Australians the pleasure of live theatre and music presented by some of the world’s best creative talent.”

The Helpmanns, set up in 2011, cover excellence in all aspects of Australia’s live performance sectors including musicals, contemporary music, comedy, opera and classical music, theatre, ballet, dance and physical theatre, presentation for children and young people, regional touring and cabaret.