Sarah Blasko among first-round performers of Helpmann Awards
Sarah Blasko is among the first announcement of performers for the 16th Helpmann Awards, held at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre on Monday July 25.
Blasko this weekend winds up a 9-date Australian tour before heading for an eight-date European run taking in England, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Berlin between May 10 and 24.
The first performers’ announcement, by organiser Live Performance Australia (LPA), also included the casts of Matilda The Musical, The Sound Of Music and Singin’ In The Rain. Individual performances are by Marina Prior & Mark Vincent, Bangarra Dance Theatre and The West Australian Ballet as well as the winner of the Sydney International Piano Competition.
The Awards are performed on the set of Singin’ In The Rain.
Hosts for the evening will be Adam Garcia, Helen Dallimore, Guy Noble, Simon Philips, Queenie van de Zandt, and The Umbilical Brothers.
The Helpmann Awards cover musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre, children’s presentations, regional touring and cabaret.
The contemporary music section includes Best International Contemporary Concert, Best Australian Contemporary Concert and Best Contemporary Music Festival.
Tickets for the awards go on sale Monday May 2 through Ticketmaster. Last year’s ceremony sold out in record time, said LPA CEO Evelyn Richardson.
“Audiences are integral to the success and vitality of the live performance industry. It is only fitting they join in the celebration of the Helpmann Awards alongside the industry’s biggest stars.
“Tickets are limited so fans of the live performance industry are urged to purchase tickets to the Helpmann Awards today to avoid disappointment.”
The Helpmanns are supported by the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres commented, “The Helpmann Awards is the pinnacle celebration of Australia’s live performance industry and an opportunity to applaud and recognise our creative talent.
“As the nation’s hub of culture and creative industries, Sydney is a fitting home for the Helpmanns and the NSW Government is proud to support the event through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. I encourage everyone to start planning their visit to Sydney now to be a part of this spectacular occasion.”
The 2016 Helpmanns full program, including category nominees, is announced in June.