Sam Strong has two horses – and divided loyalties – in the race for Best Play at this year’s Helpmann Awards.

Queensland Theatre’s Artistic Director Sam Strong has two horses in the race for Best Play at this year’s Helpmann Awards. Strong directed Michael Gow’s Once in Royal David’s City – a co-production between Queensland Theatre and Black Swan State Theatre Company – as well as Jasper Jones – an adaption of Craig Silvey’s novel by Kate Mulvany – for Strong’s former home, Melbourne Theatre Company. Both plays have been nominated in the Best Play at this year’s Helpmann Awards, which will be announced in Sydney on Monday.

“I’m thrilled with the Helpmann nominations for my shows personally, for Queensland theatre generally, and for the arts in Queensland even more broadly,” Strong said. “To have directed two shows out of the four up for best play in the National awards is a great honour, even if it makes my loyalties a little divided on the night!”

Once in Royal David’s City was Strong’s directorial debut for Queensland Theatre and this will be the first time the company has had a nomination for best play in the Helpmanns since 2006,...