At the 2017 Sydney Theatre Awards this evening, Muriel’s Wedding The Musical was the big winner of the night, taking home seven gongs. Based on the iconic Australian film, the new musical was up for 12 awards, breaking all previously set records for most nominated work. It was named Best Mainstage Musical, with awards also going to its director, Simon Phillips, its choreographer, Andrew Hallsworth, and its musical director, Isaac Hayward. Rising star Maggie McKenna shared the Best Newcomer Award with Zoe Terakes for her portrayal of Muriel, while her co-star Madeleine Jones was named Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical. Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall were awarded Best Original Score in a Mainstage Production.

The Cast of Muriel’s Wedding the Musical. Photos: Lisa Tomasetti.

Belvoir’s Hir, a thoughtful, provocative comedy, landed the Best Mainstage Production award. Its director Anthea Williams was also recognised, as was Michael Whalley for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role and Michael Hankin for Best Stage Design.

Meanwhile, Red Line Productions’ A View From the Bridge won Best Independent Production as well as Independent awards for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role (Ivan Donato) and Best...