Queensland’s premier celebration of performing arts excellence, the Matilda Awards, has
announced the nominees for its 38th year, with the Awards ceremony scheduled for its new
home, the QPAC Playhouse on Monday 2 March 2026.
The 2025 nominations highlight the energy, diversity, and innovation within Queensland theatre,
with strong representation from independent and regional companies.
In total, the Matilda Awards judging panel, led by Lead Judge Paul Dellit, viewed nearly 100
productions across the state, from intimate 50-seat venues to the 1600-seat QPAC Concert Hall
Among the standout nominees, Queensland Theatre Company’s A Few Good Men leads with 7
nominations, with a large cast of 16 actors.
La Boîte Theatre Company’s Congratulations, Get Rich! and female-led company Belloo
Creative’s Back to Bilo each received 5 nominations, highlighting the strength of mainstage
theatre this year
Regional independent theatre is thriving, with Gympie-based Perseverance Street Theatre’s
Pirates, Cowboys and Aliens earning 5 nominations, and Gold Coast’s Shock Therapy Arts
Crossing the Divide receiving 4 nominations.
Emerging independent productions continue to shine, including Charlie & The Bin Chicken (Art
For Earthlings), Into the Woods (Ad Astra), and emerging artists creating for Backbone Youth Arts
Festival FUSE (Anabella Gregory), and Hot Girls Don’t Poo (Produced by Madeline Armit and
Tainika Kane-Potaka).
Physical theatre and circus productions are well represented with Wired Differently (Zen Zen
Zo/Undercover Artist Festival) and Living Sculptures: How The Birds Got Their Colours (Arc
Circus & Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers).
In its 20th year, Shake & Stir Theatre Co is also recognised for its world premiere musical, The
Lovers.
The Awards span a range of categories, including, Best Mainstage Production, Best Independent
Production, Best Performance in Leading and Supporting Roles, Best Musical or Cabaret, Best
Circus or Physical Theatre Production and the Bille Brown Award for Best Emerging Artist.
The Lord Mayor’s Award for Best New Australian Work and the Gold Matilda will also be
announced on the night.
Chair of the Matilda Awards, Nigel Lavender, said this year’s nominations reflect the incredible
creativity, energy, and ambition of Queensland’s theatre sector.
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“From regional companies bringing fresh perspectives to major mainstage productions pushing
the boundaries of performance, it will be a thrilling night to celebrate our artists in our new home
on 2 March,
” Nigel Lavender said.
Lead Judge Paul Dellit added the Matilda Awards judges were inspired by breadth of distinctive
Queensland stories brought to life on stages across the state, from Gympie and the Gold Coast
to Brisbane.
“The Judges saw close to 100 productions, spanning bold new works, innovative independent
productions, and a remarkable depth of performance,” Paul Dellit said.
“This year’s Awards highlights how vibrant and varied our sector has become. Every nominee is
already a winner in their own right.
“The Gold Matilda to be awarded on the night, stands as a distinguished honour, recognising an
outstanding contribution to Queensland performing arts.”
The winners will be revealed live on the night, making this a must-attend event for the arts
community.
Tickets for the 2025 Matilda Awards go on sale Monday 2 February 2026 at 10am, with the
ceremony held Monday 2 March 2026 from 7pm at QPAC Playhouse.
The Matilda Awards are proudly supported by Arts Queensland, Brisbane City Council, and
QPAC.
Tickets available via QTIX.
For the full list of nominations and further details, visit matildaawards.com.au.
