The 5th Annual Helpmann Awards for live performance in Australia were held on 8 August 2005 at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney. The Sapphires by Tony Briggs, produced by Melbourne Theatre Company, was named Best Play and Best New Australian Work. The Australian production of Broadway musical The Producers received five awards including Best Musical. State Opera of South Australia's season of Wagner's Ring Cycle received ten awards including Best Opera and Best Special Event.