The nominations for the 2018 Helpmann Awards are in, with Sydney Theatre Company and Global Creatures’ much-lauded Muriel’s Wedding the Musical taking the lion’s share with 11 nods. As well as gongs for lead actor Maggie McKenna and two of its supporting female actors Christie Whelan Browne and Madeleine Jones, it has picked up Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best New Australian Work.

Muriel’s Wedding the Musical. Photograph © Lisa Tomasetti

Both receiving a considerable seven nominations were two operas, Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets and Hamlet. A Victorian Opera and Malthouse Theatre production, Black Rider is up for Best Opera, Best Female Performer (Dimity Shepherd), Best Male Performer in an Opera (Kanen Breen) and Best Female Performer in a Supporting Role in an Opera (Meow Meow) among others.

Meanwhile, Glyndebourne Festival and Adelaide Festival’s Hamlet has been nominated for Best New Australian Work and Best Opera. Allan Clayton’s portrayal of the title role also sees him nominated for Best Male Performer in an Opera, while Jud Arthur and Kim Begley face off for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in an Opera. For her Ophelia, Lorina Gore has...