Gow had not written a full-length play for ten years while fully engaged as artistic director of Queensland Theatre Company . In 2007 , his play '' Toy Symphony '' received its world premiere production at Sydney 's Belvoir St Theatre . It was a critical and popular success , starring Richard Roxburgh in his first stage role for some years . '' Toy Symphony '' is a further exploration of Gow 's Shire roots and much else besides . '' Toy Symphony '' was awarded Best New Australian Work at the 2008 Helpmann Awards , and the production was also nominated for Best Play . The production also won four Sydney Theatre Awards including Best Mainstage Production
2008 Helpmann Awards
8th Helpmann Awards
Michael Gow