If you love the performing arts, this is one show you do not want to miss. The Helpmann Awards, Australia's version of the Tonys, is the chance to see our hardworking theatrical professionals get the recognition they deserve – plus some epic star-spotting opportunities.
The Helpmanns are in two parts. Act one is an industry-only event, designed to recognise the technical wizards who keep the performing arts humming along (much like the Scientific and Technical Academy Awards). Act two is open to the public, takes place at the Arts Centre and is where the real razzle-dazzle happens. It's a black-tie gala (you can upgrade your ticket to go to the ultra-luxe afterparty at the Sofitel, if you like), hosted by comedian, writer and actor Susie Youssef and artistic director of State Theatre SA Mitchell Butel.
The audience will be in for a real treat, as the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will perform a montage of snippets from the world-famous play, currently in residence at the Princess Theatre. The montage will be performed at the Princess (if you've seen the show you'll know it is not a performance that can travel), with a live cross broadcast in the Arts Centre. In addition, performances will include a bit from Victorian Opera's new show, Lorelei; a piece from the Australian Ballet's show Aurum; and dancers from Bangarra Dance Company performing part of Helpmann Award-winning show Bennelong. To top it all off, those very talented kids from School of Rock will do a song from Andrew Lloyd-Webber's latest, which was a smash hit this year at Her Majesty's Theatre.
Tickets are $59 for the show only, or $189 for A reserve seats and a ticket to the afterparty, where you can hobnob with the stars of Australia's stages.
