News

2017 Helpmann Award Winners

The 17th Annual Helpmann Awards were presented at a ceremony on Monday 24 July at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney, on the set of Kinky Boots.

Major awards included The Book of Mormon (Best Musical), The Drover's Wife (both Best Play and Best New Australian Work), Saul (Best Opera) and Snow White (Best Ballet).

Big winners of the evening were Barry Kosky's Adelaide Festival production of the Handel opera Saul and Belvoir's production of Leah Purcell's The Drover's Wife.

Jon English Musical Rebirthed By Son

The first ever professional production of Paris – written and composed by Jon English and David Mackay - will be staged in concert form at the Melbourne Recital Hall from July 13 to 15. The much-loved work is being edited by the late rock musician’s son Jonathan English, who is “channelling” his father’s original vision. David Spicer – the agent for the musical - has the inside story.

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe Tour - Together

Following the success of their double-platinum selling Christmas #1 UK album, Together and major sold out tours of the UK, Live Nation has announced that musical theatre legends Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will bring their Together tour to Australia in October 2017. Ball and Boe are two of the most cherished performers in the UK, with two of the greatest voices.

STAGE WHISPERS MAGAZINE: July / August 2017 EDITION OUT NOW!!!

In This Edition

Big Brother Still Watching

Inside the stage adaptation of Orwell’s 1984

Michael Cassel

Aussie Producer’s journey from Kiama to Kinky Boots

Paris Professional Premiere

Jon English musical rebirthed by son

The Dawn of Digital Theatre

Theatre technology from the middle ages to today

 

Inside The Tony Awards

Ian Phipps reports on Broadway’s night of nights

The Magical Touch of Alan Menken's Music

The opening of the musical Aladdin at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne brought composer Alan Menken to the city. Patricia Di Risio listened in as Menken explained a little about the art of making musicals.

Alan Menken loves being interviewed next to a grand piano, allowing him to break up the talking with some of his beautiful melodies. In the case of Aladdin, the most famous tune is “A Whole New World”, the centerpiece of the original animated film and now the musical.

The Magic of Circus.

With Circus of Illusion playing on the Gold Goast, Coral Drouyn looks at how a local circus has diversified to stay alive.

Who has not, at some time in their life, wanted to run away from home and join the circus? It’s been the ultimate fantasy of misunderstood youths for over two hundred years – no, make that 2,000.

Priscilla Returns for 10th Anniversary Tour

Aussie musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert is off on a national tour, starting in Melbourne in January 2018 with stops in Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.

After playing Broadway, the West End, Europe and Asia, Simon Phillips' production Priscilla Queen of the Desert makes a returns to Australia for its 10th anniversary.

The musical is based on the film about Mitzi, Felicia and former Les Girl, Bernadette – who hop aboard a battered old bus named Priscilla bound for Alice Springs.

Jimmy Webb on Tour

Coral Drouyn is excited about the arrival of one of the world’s greatest songwriters.

2017 Helpmann Award Nominees

The countdown to the 17th Annual Helpmann Awards is on, following the announcement of the 2017 Helpmann Award Nominees on June 19.

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

Geordie Brookman Introduces Creative Ensemble in 2017

2017 marks a new direction for State Theatre Company of SA, with the formation of a Creative Ensemble - a group of actors and creatives taking residence to work on a number of productions and creative developments in 2017 and 2018. At the time of formation, in 2017 State Theatre Company is the only major theatre company in Australia to engage a resident ensemble of actors.