Smoke and Mirrors shines at the 2010 Helpmann Awards

Dark, dazzling and gritty Smoke & Mirrors scooped all three awards it was nominated for at the 10th Helpmann Awards® last night at Sydney Opera House.  The Adelaide Cabaret Festival Director David Campbell was the MC for the evening.

Created by iOTA and Craig Ilott, and from the producers of the legendary La Clique, Smoke & Mirrors won awards for best new australian work, best original score (for iOTA, Tina Harris, Joe Accaria, Chris Ball and Martin Hailey and best cabaret performer (for iOTA).

It was co-commissioned by Sydney Festival and Spiegeltent International for Sydney Festival 2010.  This edgy and alluring show had an astounding success at the Sydney Festival, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year, garnering rave reviews.   The return season at the 2011 Sydney Festival has been confirmed (dates TBA) and there’s been talk of US and European tours.   

The best cabaret category was introduced for the first time this year.  With cabaret artitsts like Meow Meow (who missed out on the Helpmann Awards but won the Edinburgh International Festival Fringe Prize just last week) and Smoke & Mirrors getting the recognition and accolades, hopefully the category is here to stay.

A few comments were made about Smoke & Mirrors taking out best new Australian work and best original score, trumping new Australian opera Bliss, bringing up the ongoing murmurs on the awards’ category structure saying that cabaret and opera can’t be judged alongside each other for the same award.  

I do see the difficulty with organising award categories that encompass so many diverse and different art forms.  But fringe festivals often choose the best show out of wildly varied acts.  Is there a better way?  

It is great to see more cabaret acts getting bigger spotlight.  I’m already looking forward to seeing the 2011 nomination list for best cabaret category.

Click here for the full list of winners.

Helpmann Awards® Official Website: www.helpmannawards.com.au

Related posts: 

Helpmann Awards cabaret category nominees announced

2010 Edinburgh Fringe: Smoke & Mirrors

2010 Adelaide Cabaret Festival: Smoke & Mirrors - 23rd June to 26th June

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