The 2012 Helpmann Awards®
On Monday 24 September, Live Performance Australia (LPA) presented the 12th annual Helpmann Awards® at the magnificent Sydney Opera House. Hosted by the charming Simon Burke, the Award Ceremony was broadcast on Foxtel's STUDIO Channel. Simon Burke opened the show with Another Openin’, Another Show alongside Trevor Ashley, Peter Carroll and Genevieve Lemon whilst being supported by a cast of tiny ballerinas. Other performances on the night included Aston, South Pacific, The Australian Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, A Chorus Line and the performers from Long Way to the Top.
LPA’s highest accolade, the JC Williamson Award™ was awarded to Currency Press founder Katharine Brisbane AM and the late Dr Jimmy Little AO. Both were honoured for their outstanding contribution to Australia's live entertainment industry. As a journalist, critic, advocate and independent publisher Katharine Brisbane AM has been integral in allowing Australian stories to be heard. Playwright Joanna Murray-Smith presented the award to Katharine. In a fitting tribute Bernadette Robinson performed a medley of songs from Murray-Smith's critically acclaimed Songs for Nobodies. The late Dr Jimmy Little AO was also honoured on the night by musician Dan Sultan who performed a beautiful cover of Little’s Royal Telephone.
LPA President Andrew Kay took to the stage to present an honorary Helpmann Award® to Jon Nicholls for his outstanding contribution as the show’s Executive Producer. After seven years, Jon has decided to stand down from the role to pursue other projects. Jon’s vision for the Awards has been inspiring and with him at the helm, the Helpmann Awards® have grown to become one of the industry’s most important honours to receive. We wish Jon all the best in his future endeavors.
A variety of well known presenters generously gave their time to present 43 awards, they included Amanda Bishop, Blake Bowden, Bille Brown AM, Bryan Brown AM, Darcey Bussell CBE, Daniel Carter, Kate Ceberano, Gerry Connolly, Li Cunxin, Cameron Daddo, Lucy Durack, Marta Dusseldorp, Amanda Harrison, Marcia Hines, Verity Hunt-Ballard, Matt Lee, Genevieve Lemon, David McAllister AM, Lisa McCune, Rob Mills, Eddie Perfect, Simon Phillips, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Leo Schofield AM, The Honorable George Souris NSW Minister for the Arts, Jon Stevens, Stuart Wagstaff AM and John Waters. A highlight of the night came when Hugh Jackman made a surprise appearance to present the final award of the evening, Best Musical. The top honour went to A Chorus Line which was produced by Tim Lawson in association with the Adelaide Festival Centre. At the Awards' conclusion, guests were transported via cruise ferry to The Star’s Marquee for the official After Party.
We would like to extend our thanks to Associate Producer Will Sheehan, Director Stuart Maunder and all the performers, presenters, crew members and volunteers who gave their time to making the 12th Helpmann Awards® a huge success. We would like to acknowledge all our sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible. In particular, we would like to thank our Strategic Partners, Destination NSW and Foxtel. Moreover, we would also like extend our thanks to the Helpmann Awards® Administrative Committee (HAAC) and all our Panel Members.