Arts Centre Melbourne ready to host 19th Annual Helpmann Awards

With the 19th Annual Helpmann Awards to be held at Arts Centre Melbourne on Sunday 14th and Monday 15th July, Live Performance Australia (LPA) has announced a special performance of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child will be beamed direct at Monday’s event.

In a world first, the cast will perform an exclusive montage live from the play’s Australian home, Melbourne’s Princess Theatre.

Looking forward to the Awards, Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley advised “the Helpmann Awards will celebrate a remarkable year for live performance in Melbourne and Australia.

“This world-first performance and live cross by the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ensemble further highlights the creative capacity of our state and why Victoria is the cultural and creative capital of Australia.”

LPA will also be continuing its relationship with the ABC who, for the third year running, will be broadcasting the event.

Being presented in Melbourne for the very first time at the Arts Centre Melbourne, Act I of the Awards on Sunday will see the gravitas of Australia’s most prestigious live theatre and entertainment awards meet the atmosphere of a sophisticated jazz lounge, for an up close, upbeat, exclusive industry-only night to remember.

Hosted by the performer, writer and artistic director, Robyn Archer this special evening will recognise artistic excellence and achievements on stage as well as the creative and technical genies behind the scenes. 20 Helpmann Award will be presented along with the 2019 Sue Nattrass Award for exceptional service to the live performance industry to long standing Artistic Director of La Mama Theatre, Liz Jones.

The evening’s performances will come from The Jack Earle Jazz Trio, Rhonda Burchmore, Marcus Corowa, winner of 17 ARIAs Christine Anu and leading men Matt Lee and Rob Mills of Swing on This.

Presenters will include industry favourites Annie Aitken, Clare Bartholomew, Casey Bennetto, Uncle Jack Charles, Ako Kondo, Matt Lee, Ali McGregor, Natalie O’Donnell, Gareth Reeves, Daniel Tobias and Anne Wood.

The Helpmann Awards Act II on Monday 15th July is a black-tie gala event, saluting artistic excellence and achievement on Australian stages over the past year including musicals, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, ballet, dance, physical theatre and cabaret.

Hosted by the fabulous dynamic duo of comedian, writer and actor Susie Youssef and Artistic Director of State Theatre SA Mitchell Butel, 22 prestigious Helpmann Awards will be presented.

In addition, the 2019 JC Williamson Award will be presented to the legendary singer songwriter Kev Carmody, for his outstanding contribution to the live performance industry.

In addition to the special live cross to Melbourne’s Princess Theatre, acclaimed performances will include Victorian Opera with their new work Lorelei featuring divas Ali McGregor, Dimity Shepherd and Danielle Calder; The Australian Ballet with a new piece from Aurum by choreographer Alice Topp; Bangarra dancers Beau Dean Riley Smith, Rikki Mason, Tyrel Dulvarie, Ryan Pearson, Baden Hitchcock and Bradley Smith in an excerpt from the Helpmann Award winning production Bennelong; a special tribute from electronic soul pop duo Electric Fields; musical theatre darling Silvie Paladino; and to bring the show home will be the sensational Brent Hill and the young stars from the hit musical School of Rock.

Once again, the Helpmann Awards Orchestra will be led by exceptional musical director Vanessa Scammell.

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

For further information and a full list of nominees go to www.helpmannawards.com.au

Images: Helpmann Awards hosts Susie Youssef, Robyn Archer and Mitchell Butel (top) and Harry Potter and The Cursed Child at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre (below).