The awards recognized excellence and achievement in the theatre arts across Australia's performance industry. A total of 43 awards were given and presented by talents such as Tina Arena, Baz Luhrman, John Waters, Sarah Murdoch, Marcus Graham, Elizabeth Debicki, Hugh Sheridan, Ashley Zukerman, Patrick Brammal, Erika Heynatz, Chloe Dallimore, Toby Schmitz, Alison Bell, Wayne Scott Kermond, Lynette Curran, Robb Mills, Miranda Tapsell, Russel Dykstra, Esther Hannaford, Christein O'Leary, The Hon. George Souris, Jennifer Vuletic, Hellen Thomson and Ewen Leslie.

David Blekinsop CBE AM and pop icon Kylie Minogue were both the recipients of The JC Williamson Award. The award recognized individuals who made outstanding contribution to the Australian live entertainment industry and honed its future. James Morrison performed in honour of David Blenskinsop, whereas Michael Gudinski paid tribute to the pop icon Kylie Minogue for her unparallened contribution to the Australian entertainment industry.

"Tonight we celebrated the very best of our talented live performance industry. Our annual Ticketing Survey 2012 released today shows that the industry remains strong with ticket sales and attendances stable and revenue exceeding $1.2 billion. More than 16 million attended live events in 2012 indicating that Australians continue to engage with and be entertained by our wonderful productions across all the live performance genres," Evelyn Richardson, Chief Executive of Live Performance Australia mentioned.

The best musical award was received by "Legally Blonde." Lead actress Lucy Durak received best female actor in a musical. "Legally Blonde" also took home best direction and choreography.

"Its been such an honour to be in the category with Esther, Sylvie and Chloe, who I just admire so much. Thanks to the Legally Blonde crew, who are the loveliest, happiest, more hardworking group of people. And thanks to all the dogs on Legally Blonde for keeping it real and reminding us of what's important in life," Ms Durak said during her acceptance speech.

The musical "Legally Blonde" played in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Sue Farrelley, the show's producer, noted that the awards recognized the cast's hard work.

"Legally Blonde brought together a really fabulous collection of people and it's the ultimate reward for them," Ms Farreley said.

"I'd like to make special mention of Peter Clarke, our fabulous dog trainer, and our lovely dogs," Farrelley added. "I think every show should have dogs."

Design awards were coveted by the musical "King Kong," such as best in costumes, lightning sound and scenery, and a special award for outstanding theatrical achievement.

Colin Friels, of Belvoir's "Death of a Salesman," won best actor. Geoffrey Rush took home the best actor in a musical gong for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

Four major awards were given to The Sydney Theatre Company's "The Secret River," which included Best Play. It was also awarded best new Australian work, direction of music and a play and best original score.

Andrew Upton, artistic director, expressed it is an honour to have been give those awards. "Feels very strange to be up here on my own, because as everyone knows theatre is a great collaboration - and this was a wonderful collaboration," he said.

"Not just led by the creative team and by the cast and the crew, but by the whole company."

Opera Australia's "Salome" won best opera, with its lead Cherly Barker and John Vegner also taking honours.

"Congratulations to all the winners. The Helpmanns are the premier awards for the live performance industry in Australia. Our investment in the 2013 Helpman Awards and the staging of them in Sydney re-affirms the NSW Government's commitment to the arts and further strengthens Sydney's position as the live performance capital of Australia," George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts commented.

Among the award's strategic partner was The NSW Government, via its tourism and major events arm, Destination NSW, for this year.

Forty-three Helpman awards were given away last night. To get a list of the official winners visit http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/site/_content/document/00000351-source.pdf

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