Cirrus@Austlit

Robert Helpmann was an internationally recognised Australian dancer, actor, theatre director and choreographer. Although most remembered now for his work in ballet Helpmann was involved in many aspects of theatre, including, during his early career as a vaudeville performer, as well as film. In 1933, Helpmann left Australia for London where he was soon afterwards accepted into the Sadler’s Wells Ballet School and before long became a member of the company. He remained with the company from 1934 to 1950, often in partnership with Margot Fonteyn. In the 1950s and 1960s Helpmann also worked extensively as a director, with his credits ranging across such diverse forms as ballet, pantomime, drama and Shakespeare.