Jim Sharman. Photo by David Hooley.
This year at the Sydney Theatre Awards, the first Actors Benevolent Fund Lifetime Achievement Award trophy was presented to legendary director Jim Sharman. The handsome award was designed by Brian Thomson who also presented it to his long-term creative partner on behalf of ABF.
ABF commissioned the design of the trophy from Thomson. It is based on the ABF logo and is now formally named The Actors Benevolent Fund Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kate Fitzpatrick and Brian Thomson. Photo by David Hooley.
The presentation was introduced by Brian Thomson and Kate Fitzpatrick and was followed by the ABF presentation of a $3000 bursary to a NIDA student entering the second year of study in any course. The recipient this year was Jaga Yap, a drama student who received the award from Kenneth Moraleda, theatre director and member of the ABF Committee.
Jaga Yap. Photo by David Hooley.
Sharman and Thomson met at The Old Tote Theatre in 1969. Over the years they collaborated on many plays and films but most significant were the ground-breaking productions of three rock musicals. “Hair” which toured internationally, followed by “Jesus Christ Superstar” which was such a success it turned the show into a London and international hit. In 1973 they created the sensational Royal Court Theatre production of “The Rocky Horror Show” closely followed by the cult film, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, now the longest running theatrical release in cinema history.
Sharman had an unconventional introduction to show business growing up around his father’s “Jimmy Sharman's Boxing Troupe”, a tent show that played show grounds around the country. It brought him into contact with the world of circus and travelling vaudeville. The experience created a passion for live performance and the creation of theatre. After graduating from NIDA Sharman began his stellar directing career.
Marcia Hines. Photo by David Hooley.
The 2024 Awards paid homage to Sharman with several original cast members from his rock operas making surprise appearances to perform the now iconic songs. They included a standing ovation for Marcia Hines singing “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” from “Jesus Christ Superstar”, a moment of superstar magic from John Waters and several of the original cast of “Rocky Horror Show” including the irrepressible Little Nell, encouraging the audience to do the time warp again.
Once more the night was hosted by Marnie McQueen taking a break from her hilarious performance as Celine Dion in "Titanique". Presenters included Mitchell Butel now in residence as Artistic Director of STC and Kris Nelson the new director of Sydney Festival. The wonderful Michael "Myty" Tyack was MD accompanied by three musicians. The event was produced by publicist Ian Phipps.
John Waters. Photo by David Hooley.