Todd McKenney to host 2015 Helpmann Awards

Live Performance Australia (LPA) has announced that past Helpmann Awards winner and Australian favourite, Todd McKenney will host the 2015 Helpmann Awards.

The 2015 Helpmann Awards will be held on Monday 27th July on the set of Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Misérables at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre and broadcast live on Foxtel Arts.

LPA Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson said McKenney is no stranger to the Helpmann Awards stage and LPA is very excited to be working with him this year.

Richardson explained “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.

“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.”

Commenting on his hosting role, McKenney stated “it is an honour to host the 2015 Helpmann Awards and celebrate the immense talent within our live performance industry.

“I am excited to be able to share this night on stage with my peers acknowledging what an amazing industry we have here in Australia.”

Opening the 2015 Helpmann Awards is the full cast of Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Les Misérables.

The entertainment packed evening will also feature performances from:

• The cast of Once for a one-off performance exclusively for the 2015 Helpmann Awards 
• The Australian Piano Quartet
• Previous Helpmann Awards nominee illusionist, Cosentino – The Grand Illusionist.

Helpmann Awards Executive Producer, Jon Nicholls added “I am thrilled that we have been able to gather together such a stellar group of artists to help celebrate excellence in live performance.”

The 2015 Helpmann Awards will be written by Jonathan Biggins and Phil Scott and directed by Jonathan Biggins.

A total of 42 awards will be presented at the 2015 Helpmann Awards, in addition to lifetime achievement awards, JC Williamson Award and Sue Nattrass Award.

The full program for the 15th annual Helpmann Awards, including award category nominees, will be announced on 22nd June.

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

For more information go to www.helpmannawards.com.au

25th March 2015 - 2015 HELPMANN AWARDS CEREMONY DETAILS REVEALED

24th March 2015 - LES MISERABLES PRODUCER SLAMS INADEQUATE SYDNEY THEATRE PROVISION