Cate Blanchett won best female actor for her role in 'Gross und Klein' and Paul Capsis who won best male actor for the Griffin Theatre's production, 'Angela's Kitchen' at the Helpmann Awards in Sydney.
The musical Grey Gardens also took home acolades.
Something of an underdog, the low-budget musical won awards for best female actor for Pamela Rabe, best female actor in a supporting role for Nancye Hayes and best direction for Roger Hodgman.
A Chorus Line took home the top award for best musical, while a night of surprises was completed as Mitchell Butel walked away with best male actor for his role in Opera Australia's The Mikado.
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Noticeable were the big name flops, An Officer And A Gentleman winning just one award for supporting actor Bert Labonte, and Rock Of Ages recognised only for its choreography despite seven nominations.
Griffin Theatre Company's Angela's Kitchen was named best new Australian work while its lead Paul Capsis scooped best actor.
A total of 42 awards were handed out during the marathon at the Sydney Opera House.
