Todd McKenney to host Helpmann Awards

Todd McKenney will host this year’s Helpmann Awards, the live performance sector’s major event.

Produced by Live Performance Australia (LPA), the awards are held at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on Monday July 27 on the set of Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Misérables and broadcast live on Foxtel Arts.

LPA Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson said McKenney, a previous winner, is no stranger to the Helpmanns.

“The Helpmann Awards celebrate Australia’s finest live performances and performers, and who better to host our annual event than one of Australia’s most well-loved, dynamic and versatile live performers, Todd McKenney,” she said. “McKenney’s charisma and aptitude in the many disciplines of performance make him an audience favourite and we are thrilled to have him as our host this year.”

The full cast of Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Les Misérables will open the show. Also performing are the cast of the Once musical, The Australia Piano Quartet and Cosentino – The Grand Illusionist. The full program is announced on June 22.

A total of 42 awards will be presented in addition to lifetime achievement awards, JC Williamson Award and Sue Nattrass Award. The show is directed by Jonathan Biggins, who is also writing it with Phil Scott. Executive Producer is Jon Nicholls.

The awards are supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.