A River runs through theatre's night of nights Newly brunette actress Lucy Durack, who won for Legally Blonde, with fiance Chris Horsey at the Helpmann Awards last night. Picture: Jeremy Piper Source: DailyTelegraph THE Sydney Theatre Company's ambitious production of The Secret River was praised when it opened in January and the applause happened all over again at the 13th annual Helpmann Awards last night. Andrew Bovell's adaptation of Kate Grenville's award-winning colonial novel picked up six awards, more than any other production, including the all-important nod for best new Australian work. The play, funded by the STC, three arts festivals and philanthropists including Simon Mordant and David Gonski, was also voted best play by the voting members of peak industry group Live Performance Australia. Colin Moody's standout performance in it earned him recognition for best supporting actor but the other acting prizes were dispersed across numerous productions. Geoffrey Rush won best actor in a musical for his star turn in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Colin Friels collected the award for best actor in a play for Death of A Salesman. Alison Bell's turn in Hedda Gabler at the State Theatre Company of SA earned her an award for her best actress in a play. Lucy Durack and Helen Dallimore were recognised in the musicals category as best actress and best supporting actress for their turns in Legally Blonde, which collected five awards including best musical. New musical King Kong picked up a slew of technical awards, as might be expected for the most expensive show ever produced in Australia. Opera Australia's Salome was considered the best opera produced during the past year and, by way of contrast Bruce Springsteen's Wrecking Ball tour was acknowledged as the best international contemporary concert tour. Bangarra Dance Theatre collected two awards for two works. Organisers broke with tradition for the ceremony at the Sydney Opera House, which was presented for the first time by a double act, comic Eddie Perfect and comic actress Christie Whelan. Whelan and Perfect remained on stage through most of the evening commentating and chatting with presenters drawn from across the sector. Producer Liza McLean said she wanted the audience in the Dame Joan Sutherland Theatre to enjoy the show as much as those watching at home. No mean feat and the perennial challenge for awards show producers.