Matildas honour best of 2018 Queensland theatre

The best and brightest in Queensland performing arts have been recognised at the 2018 Matilda Awards at the Brisbane Powerhouse tonight.

Attending the awards and presenting the coveted Gold Matilda, Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch congratulated all the nominees and recipients for their outstanding work.

“The Matilda Awards are the highlight of Queensland’s performing arts calendar, showcasing the strength and diversity of talent in theatre across the state,” Minister Enoch said.

“I was delighted to present the top prize, the Gold Matilda, to debase productions for its commitment to theatre in Queensland for more than 20 years, touring nationally and internationally, and using comedy to address social issues.

“debase was one of the collaborators alongside Queensland Theatre and Cairns-based JUTE Theatre that developed The Longest Minute, a landmark theatre work which toured last year to Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and Rockhampton.

“This successful collaboration is a great model to arts companies looking to build further capacity, increase programming and leverage funding opportunities.

“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to support the awards as part of our commitment to the arts, recognising the role the sector plays in supporting our cultural, social and economic development and in making creativity the key to a strong future for Queensland.”

More than 500 performers, artists and patrons of the arts attended the ceremony in what Matilda Awards Executive Committee chairperson Deb Wilks described as a celebration of Queensland’s theatre industry.

“The calibre of nominees and winners was outstanding and a real testament to the quality, resilience and effervescence of the Queensland arts sector,” Ms Wilks said.

“We are truly kicking goals in Queensland.”

Minister Enoch said Queensland has a passionate and dedicated theatre community doing exceptional work to create and deliver world-class arts experiences, helping share Queensland’s unique stories and providing a thriving industry supporting employment opportunities throughout the state.

“These are the foundations we are looking to build upon as the Government develops a 10-year Roadmap following last year’s launch of the discussion paper Creating Queensland’s Future: 10-Year Roadmap for the arts, cultural and creative sector,” Minister Enoch said.

Minister Enoch thanked the Matilda Award judging panel for their work in selecting the 2018 recipients.

For more information on the awards, visit matildaawards.com.au.

Media contact: 0417 768 626

Matilda Awards 2018 Winners:

Best Video Design: Craig Wilkinson, A Christmas Carol

Best Lighting Design: David Walters, Nearer the Gods

Best Sound Design/Composition:Babushka, Happily Ever After

Best Costume Design: Penny Challen, The Owl and the Pussycat

Best Set Design: Josh McIntosh, A Christmas Carol

Best Director: Natano Fa’anana and Bridget Boyle, We Live Here

Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Andrea Moor, Hedda

Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Jackson McGovern, The Owl and the Pussycat

Best Female Actor in a Leading Role: Noni Hazlehurst, Mother

Best Male Actor in a Leading Role: Paul Bishop, Poison

Bille Brown Award – Best Emerging Artist: Carly Skelton, The Hatpin

Best Circus or Physical Theatre Work: We Live Here, Flipside and Metro Arts

Best Independent Production: The Sound of a Finished Kiss, Now Look Here and Electric Moon

Best Musical or Cabaret: The Sound of a Finished Kiss, Now Look Here and Electric Moon

Best Mainstage Production: Prize Fighter (La Boite) and The Longest Minute (Jute, Debase and QT)

The Lord Mayor’s Award for Best New Australian Work: Crunch Time, Counterpilot

Gold: Debase