Queensland’s independent theatre sector and the diversity of its storytelling were in the spotlight at the 2024 Matilda Awards, held on Monday night (24 February) at Brisbane Powerhouse.

The prestigious Gold Matilda award was presented to Flipside Circus, in recognition for its resilience and ingenuity in a challenging period, which saw a fire destroy its purpose-built training facility in January 2024, just a year after it opened.

Despite that, Flipside, which has been fostering circus artists since the 1990s, continued to deliver its education, training, and performance programs throughout the year before moving back into the repaired venue in late 2024.

Straight from the Strait. Photo © Jade Ellis

Among the night’s biggest winners was Straight From The Strait, an ambitious and culturally significant production by Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation, and QPAC in association with Brisbane Festival. The show took home four awards from six nominations, including The Judges’ Award for outstanding theatrical endeavour, cementing its place as a landmark production in the Queensland theatre landscape.

Queensland Theatre and Melbourne Theatre Company’s co-production 37 also had a strong showing, winning Best...