MATILDA AWARDS Return in Style
Have you ever felt that electric thrill when an award ceremony not only celebrates excellence but also reflects the passion and soul of an entire community? That’s precisely what you can expect at the 2024 Matilda Awards, returning to Brisbane Powerhouse on Monday 24 February 2025. Now in its 37th year, Queensland’s top honour in the performing arts continues to spotlight the very best in live theatre—and this time, it’s forging an exciting new partnership that promises to pay tribute to two of the state’s most cherished artistic legends.
Known for championing theatre that pushes boundaries, fosters local talent, and shines a light on contemporary issues, the Matilda Awards have become a staple for anyone who cares about Queensland’s dynamic cultural scene. Over the years, they have played a key role in spotlighting innovative independent theatre, as well as the large-scale productions from major venues. With 20 categories showcasing a diverse field of nominees, the 2024 edition is set to be as vibrant as ever. If you’re curious about what’s in store—and why this year marks a turning point in the Awards’ evolution—read on for the inside scoop.
A Snapshot Of This Year’s Nominees
One of the key indicators of the Matilda Awards’ significance is the quality and scope of its nominees. In 2024, the judging panel viewed 100 shows across the state, an impressive figure that reveals the breadth of Queensland’s performing arts community. From complex operatic collaborations to one-person indie pieces, the range of theatrical offerings was nothing short of remarkable.
Leading the pack this year is STRAIGHT FROM THE STRAIT, a culturally significant production devised by Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation, and QPAC, with six nominations. Audiences and critics alike have praised its fusion of music, storytelling, and cultural heritage, marking a new chapter in how Queensland theatre can engage with and celebrate First Nations voices.
Close behind, with five nominations each, are a trio of standouts:
- READY OR NOT by Ainslee Palmer, supported by HOTA, which brought a fresh regional perspective to the stage.
- SCENES FROM A YELLOW PERIL by The Reaction Theory & BIPOC ARTS AUSTRALIA, lauded for its incisive commentary on contemporary social and political issues.
- 37, a powerful co-production between Queensland Theatre and Melbourne Theatre Company, illustrating how collaboration between major institutions can spark innovative storytelling that resonates far beyond state borders.
Four nominations each went to several shows, including the independent premiere production AI MAY from Embodi Theatre, which has been turning heads for its blend of futuristic themes and raw human emotion. Meanwhile, DIDO AND AENEAS (another Opera Queensland highlight, this time in association with Circa), GRIMM (from Shake & Stir Theatre Co, QPAC, and Brisbane Festival), and BLUE (a Belvoir Street production presented by La Boite Theatre and performed by Thomas Weatherall) also garnered four nods each. The diversity among these nominees—classical opera, family-friendly reimaginations, and personal monologues—demonstrates the sweeping range of Queensland’s theatre talent.
The New Partnership With ABF Qld
Perhaps the most exciting development at the 2024 Matilda Awards is the debut of a new partnership with the Actors’ & Entertainers’ Benevolent Fund (ABF Qld). For those unfamiliar, ABF Qld is a long-established charity providing assistance to performing arts professionals who may face financial hardship, health issues, or other challenges. With a track record of championing performers and creative artists, the organisation’s synergy with the Matilda Awards is instantly apparent.
The collaboration has resulted in the introduction of two new accolades:
- The Carol Burns Award for a Mid-Career Performer: Named in honour of Carol Burns, a revered Queensland actor known for her fierce dedication to the craft and her unwavering support for fellow performers.
- The Tony Gould Award for an Independent Arts Company/Collective: Celebrating the pioneering legacy of Tony Gould, QPAC’s founding Artistic Director, and his visionary efforts to elevate Brisbane’s cultural scene.
Michael Balk, President of ABF, emphasised that Tony and Carol were both passionate supporters of the charity and that, with the loss of Carol Burns’ memorial at Queensland Theatre and the repurposing of the Tony Gould Gallery at QPAC, these awards serve as a timely tribute to their memory. It’s a poignant reminder that alongside celebrating current achievements, the Matilda Awards also recognise the importance of honouring the people who shaped Queensland’s performing arts history.
Celebrating Innovation In Independent Theatre
If there’s one theme resonating throughout this year’s Matilda Awards, it’s the extraordinary growth and calibre of Queensland’s independent theatre sector. With productions like AI MAY and READY OR NOT receiving multiple nominations, it’s clear that smaller companies and emerging artists are making waves, telling stories that resonate deeply with audiences across Queensland and beyond. Matilda Awards Lead Judge Sue Rider pointed out that these companies push creative boundaries, offering fresh, sometimes experimental perspectives that reinvigorate the local scene.
This trend isn’t just about producing avant-garde pieces; it also highlights how independent theatre can be more nimble in addressing pressing social and cultural issues. Whether exploring identity politics, climate change, or the complexities of modern relationships, these productions often serve as a barometer of Queensland’s evolving artistic conscience. According to the Awards panel, 2024’s slate of shows was especially diverse in style, subject matter, and casting—a reflection of how theatre is moving towards greater inclusivity.
A Strong Year For Queensland Theatre
The panel’s viewing of 100 shows underscores just how prolific the performing arts scene has become in Queensland—impressive by any standard, and even more so given the challenges performing artists often face in securing funding, venues, and visibility. The fact that so many productions caught the panel’s eye suggests an upward trend in both the quantity and quality of live theatre being staged throughout the state.
Further evidence of this robust environment can be seen in the partnerships that have formed among organisations like QPAC, Opera Queensland, and local independent troupes. This collaborative spirit has produced large-scale pieces such as STRAIGHT FROM THE STRAIT and DIDO AND AENEAS, which combine the resources and expertise of well-established institutions with a willingness to take bold creative risks. The result? Shows that are grand in vision but also grounded in community engagement.
A Focus On Legacy
One of the more poignant elements of this year’s awards is the renewed emphasis on remembering and honouring theatre legends who have shaped Queensland’s artistic identity. Carol Burns and Tony Gould were instrumental in forging a path for generations of performers, directors, and designers—people who, in turn, continue to pass along their knowledge and passion to up-and-coming artists.
By naming these new awards after Burns and Gould, the Matilda Awards ensure their legacy lives on in a tangible way, bridging the gap between past achievements and future innovations. In a sector often preoccupied with what’s hot and new, it’s refreshing to see a spotlight on history—a reminder that none of today’s successes exist in a vacuum.
Planning Your Night At The 2024 Matilda Awards
Set for Monday 24 February 2025 at Brisbane Powerhouse, this year’s Matilda Awards promises an evening of celebration, reflection, and inspiring performances. With 20 categories, two brand-new awards, and the typical Matilda flair for storytelling, you can expect an event that’s both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
If you haven’t secured your tickets yet, you can head over to brisbanepowerhouse.org/events/the-matilda-awards-2025/ for more details. Given the excitement and the calibre of nominees, it’s wise to act fast; tickets often go quickly for major events in Brisbane’s theatre calendar.
Need further convincing? In addition to the formal award presentations, the ceremony tends to be a hub for industry networking, lively conversation, and occasionally some surprise performances that exemplify the creativity Queensland theatre is known for. Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool theatre devotee or simply curious about what Queensland’s scene has to offer, the Matilda Awards ceremony is sure to deliver a night of entertainment—and maybe a few heartfelt moments to boot.
Lighting Up Queensland’s Theatrical Future
Ultimately, the 2024 Matilda Awards serve as a reminder that Queensland’s performing arts sector is anything but stagnant. With a remarkable line-up of nominees, a partnership dedicated to preserving artistic legacies, and an independent theatre scene that’s pushing boundaries, there’s no shortage of reasons to applaud this year’s offerings. It’s not just about who takes home the trophies; it’s about the collective vibrancy that these productions bring to the region.
In a world that sometimes discounts the value of live performance, seeing how Queensland theatre continues to evolve—and thrive—sends a powerful message: the arts are here to stay, and they’ll keep finding new ways to innovate and inspire. If you’re fortunate enough to be in Brisbane in February, consider making your way to the Powerhouse to witness this uplifting celebration of talent, dedication, and community. And if you’re elsewhere in Australia or beyond, keep your eyes peeled—these award-winning shows might well grace a stage near you in the not-too-distant future.
When the final accolades are handed out and the 37th annual Matilda Awards draw to a close, one thing will be crystal clear: Queensland’s theatre legacy isn’t just alive and well—it’s flourishing. From cutting-edge independent works to grand operatic collaborations, each nominee represents a vital strand in the cultural tapestry of the state. As the newly introduced Carol Burns Award and Tony Gould Award highlight, this tapestry is woven as much from the threads of history as it is from the bright, boundless potential of tomorrow’s theatre-makers. For anyone who believes in the transformative power of live performance, that’s about as good as it gets.
