Details announced for 16th annual Helpmann Awards

PRESS RELEASE:

Live Performance Australia (LPA) today announced the details of the 16th annual
Helpmann Awards, which will see the stars of the live performance industry come
together with fans for a remarkable night on Monday 25 July at the Sydney Lyric
Theatre.

The Helpmann Awards are the premier celebration of Australia’s vibrant live
performance industry and recognise distinguished achievement and excellence in
Australia’s live performance sectors, including musical theatre, contemporary
music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre,
children’s presentations, regional touring, and cabaret.

LPA Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson said “the Helpmann Awards celebrate the
many hands and hearts engaged in making the live performance industry the
dynamic and creative powerhouse that is enjoyed by 18.5 million people each year
in Australia.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the NSW
Government is proud to support the 2016 Helpmann Awards through its tourism and
major events agency, Destination NSW.

“The Helpmann Awards highlight the significant contribution the live performance
industry makes to our State and the Australian community, and we look forward to
another fantastic night of entertainment later this year,” Mr Ayres said.

Jon Nicholls returns to the role of Executive Producer, continuing his long and
successful history with the Helpmann Awards.

Tickets for the 16th annual Helpmann Awards will go on sale in April.
The full program for the 16th annual Helpmann Awards, including award category
nominees, will be announced in June.

Live Performance Australia is honoured to announce Michael Lynch CBE AM as the
recipient of this year’s Sue Nattrass Award(tm).

The prestigious 2016 Sue Nattrass Award honours exceptional service to the
Australian live performance industry shining a spotlight on people in service
roles that support our industry.

Michael Lynch CBE AM is an exceptional arts administrator with an enviable
reputation worldwide. He has held the positons of General Manager of the Sydney
Theatre Company, The Australia Council for the Arts, and CEO of Sydney Opera
House, London’s South Bank Centre, the 40-hectare Hong Kong arts precinct West
Kowloon Cultural District Authority, as well as operating at a board level for
the ABC and Film Victoria.

“I am humbled at the recognition by my peers in the performing arts business.
To be given the award named after the precious Sue Nattrass a legend in this
business gives me a great thrill. I am honoured to receive the award” said
Michael Lynch.

The Sue Nattrass Award will be presented at the 16th annual Helpmann Awards
Ceremony.

The Helpmann Awards are proudly supported by the New South Wales Government,
through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

At a function today Michael Lynch addressed a group of business and arts
practitioners at the Currency House Creativity and Business Breakfast. The
title of his address – now available to the media – is “East West Home’s Best?
A reflection on art and politics.”