The 2025 Matilda Awards

Playhouse Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). 2 March 2026

This year’s 2025 Matilda Awards were so tremendous, it took two Stage Whispers writers – Kitty Goodall and Beth Keehn (pictured below) – to cover the action! This was a celebration of Queensland theatre excellence from a packed 2025 season, covering independent theatre makers and mainstage productions from across the state, with 20 trophies awarded – from Best Set Design to the Gold Matilda.

Hosts Barbara Lowing and Louise Brehmer (pictured below) were a delight, guiding the evening with warmth and wit. Their dialogue celebrated the industry in upbeat, lyrical language, always seeking to uplift and celebrate. Live onstage throughout was the fabulous Moxie Crew with Musical Director, Melissa Western, providing clever musical segues (such as Dan Evans accepting his award for Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men to the tune of En Vogue’s ‘Whatta Man’). 

Entertainment throughout the evening was a genuine highlight, with high-energy performances from Flipside Circus (pictured below) and the ever-charismatic Tom Thum, adding dynamism and flair to the ceremony. There was a fantastic atmosphere in the room, a sense of camaraderie and celebration that only a theatre crowd can generate. It felt generous, proud and thoroughly joyful. What stood out was the wealth of talent emerging from the Gold Coast, Gympie, Crow’s Nest, and the cross-collaboration that happens between the many independent companies that are enriching the creative landscape. Queensland is also building a reputation as a hub for physical theatre and circus – with winners including Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre and Arc Circus and the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers.

There was much warmth and humour in the proceedings. The Billie Brown Award for Best Emerging Artist went to Fletcher Colfs, who was quick to buttonhole Dan Evans from Queensland Theatre Company. The Carol Burns Award for a Mid-Career Performer went to Chenoa Deemal who acknowledged the support of the Actors’ & Entertainers’ Benevolent Fund. Arts industry representatives highlighted the legacy of Sue Gough – a Matilda Awards founder – and outgoing judge, Sue Rider. An emotional ‘In Memorium’ featured the loss of trailblazers such as Jim Vilé, Ken Lord, and John Rodgers, accompanied by one of John’s own songs, the moving ‘Trouble’, performed by an a cappella choir, featuring the wonderful Leah Cotterell.

Image: Susan Hetherington, Izabela Wasilewska and Deidre Grace.

Guest presenters from local and state government acknowledged the broad range of talent on offer in Queensland. Adam Brunes and Lead Judge Paul Dellit OAM brought the house down during their respective turns as presenters, delivering sharp industry in-jokes that had the theatre crowd roaring with recognition.

Image: Deidre Grace (PIP) and Fiona and Dan Kennedy (Ad Astra).

It was a standout evening for Queensland Theatre Company, with Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men collecting six of the seven awards for which it was nominated. Anyone who experienced the production will tell you the accolades were well earned. Shock Therapy Arts also celebrated a strong night, with Crossing the Divide taking home The Lord Mayor’s Award for Best New Australian Work as well as Best Ensemble.

Louise Bezzina received the prestigious Gold Matilda, recognising her significant body of work and contribution to Queensland’s performing arts landscape.

Looking ahead, the Matildas will introduce new award categories, including Best Children’s Show, and will split Best Composition and/or Sound Design into two separate categories. The judging panel will also expand to include more regional judges, ensuring even broader statewide representation. Stage Whispers is looking forward to reviewing next year’s winners!

Read the full list of 2025 winners: www.matildaawards.com.au/2025

Kitty Goodall and Beth Keehn

Photographs: Kitty Goodall and Beth Keehn