Queenslanders victorious at Helpmann Awards

Arts Minister Mr Ian Walker today congratulated Queensland artists and productions on their wins at the Helpmann Awards in Sydney last night (29 July).

Circa won Best Visual or Physical Theatre Production and Best Touring Production awards for its show S, through its partnership with the Brisbane Festival.

Russell Dykstra won Best Actor in a supporting role in a musical for The Addams Family, Deborah Brown won Best Female Dancer for her work in Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Terrain, and Geoffrey Rush won best male actor in a musical for his role in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

It was a good night also for the Queensland Performing Arts Centre with its QPAC International Series performance of Das Rhinegold, part of the Hamburg Series in 2012, winning Best Symphony Orchestra Concert.

Mr Walker said Queensland was strongly represented and congratulated nominees James Morrison, Musical Director for Brisbane Festival’s Boundary Street and Christen O’Leary and Hayden Spencers’ performances in End of the Rainbow, produced by QPAC and Queensland Theatre Company.

“Queensland had nominations across a range of categories, showing the strength of Queensland’s performing arts,” Mr Walker said.

“QPAC, Queensland Theatre Company, Circa and Brisbane Festival all receive support from the Queensland Government and help deliver on the Government’s Arts for all Queenslanders policy to make great arts accessible to Queenslanders

“Tourism and Events Queensland also provided valuable support for the Hamburg Series.

“The Helpmann Awards recognise excellence in Australian arts and I congratulate all nominees and winners.”

The Helpmann Awards, named in honour of Sir Robert Helpmann, recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the performing arts.

[ENDS] 30 July 2013
Media contact:     Alexandria Bernard      0417 252 563