Marney McQueen and dancers.
Photo David Hooley.
Host Marney McQueen launched the celebration with song and sparkles, glamorous dancing boys and a shower of flitter.
This year inaugurated the ‘Syd’ the trophy presented to the winners, shaped like a Sydney Harbour pylon and designed by Brian Thomson.
Ian Phipps and the new 'Syd' award.
Photo David Hooley.
As in past Sydney Theatre Awards, Actors Benevolent Fund sponsored the Lifetime Achievement Award which we were proud this year to present to Elizabeth Butcher AM. Admired across the arts and loved by the many actors and creatives who were trained during her many years at NIDA, Elizabeth was deeply moved to receive the award which was accompanied by a standing ovation from the industry audience.
Elizabeth Butcher’s contribution to theatre in Australia and Sydney is unequalled. For almost 40 years she was General Manager of NIDA. Alongside director John Clarke, she helped forge the school into a world-renowned training ground. In 1979 she established the Sydney Theatre Company, and is credited in finding the abandoned Pier 3&4 and selecting it as the location for the nascent company. Elizabeth then convinced the NSW Government to restore The Wharf and establish the Hickson Road precinct as a home for the STC and the performing arts.
Elizabeth Butcher AM and Chris Puplick AM.
Photo David Hooley.
Her extensive service has included leading roles with the Australia Council, the Sydney Opera House Trust, NAISDA and multiple cultural advisory bodies including several academic arts boards.
The beautiful trophy was presented by Chris Puplick AM, board member of Sydney Theatre Awards. It was designed for Actors Benevolent Fund by Brian Thomson who presented our first ABF Lifetime Achievement Award trophy last year to his long-time colleague Jim Sharman.
As part of the Lifetime Achievement Award, ABF awards a $3,500 bursary to assist a second year NIDA student studying in any discipline. The recipient this year was 19 year old Beau Brown.
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Valerie Bader, Chris Puplick AM, Beau Brown and Elizabeth Butcher AM.
Photo David Hooley.
Beau is studying Set Construction Technology at NIDA. The bursary of $3500, is designed to relieve financial stress in the critical and demanding second year. In a gesture of extraordinary generosity, it was topped up with an additional $1500 generously donated by Brian Thomson.
The bursary was announced by Actors Benevolent Fund Chair Valerie Bader. Beau was particularly proud to share the stage with Elizabeth Butcher AM, the legendary NIDA General Manager. We wish Beau all the very best of luck with her future career in the theatre.
A delighted Beau Brown with Valerie Bader Chris Puplick and Elizabeth Butcher.
Photo David Hooley.
As part of the dazzling night a tribute to the late Toni Lamond celebrated her trail blazing music theatre career. A medley of songs from her many starring roles was performed by diva’s Danielle Barnes, Zoe Gertz, Donna Lee, Caroline O’Connor and Geraldine Turner.
Tribute to Toni Lamond. Danielle Barnes, Donna Lee, Geraldine Turner, Zoe Gertz and Caroline O’Connor.
Photo David Hooley.
The York Theatre at Seymour Center welcomed an audience of 500 with many taking the opportunity to dress up for the night. Let’s hope the more glamorous dress code becomes a feature of this special night celebrating Sydney Theatre.
One presenter took awards very literally.
Photo David Hooley.
As always Actors Benevolent Fund thanks Ian Phipps and congratulates him on the 21 successful years of the Sydney Theatre Awards.