Bring It Brisbane; The Matildas 2012

The count down to the 25th Matilda Awards is nearly over as the South-East Queensland Theatre community frock up to celebrate this year’s round of outstanding theatre makers tonight at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Art, Brisbane.

Established in 1987 by Alison Cotes and Sue Gough, both highly regarded (sometimes feared) Brisbane reviewers, the Matilda Awards are Brisbane’s answer to the Oscars, The Green Room Awards and the Helpmann Awards.

Unlike many other awards ceremonies currently running in Australia, the Matilda Awards place an emphasis on recognising the five most outstanding practitioners in any theatre field, as voted by the judges, thus eliminating the obligation to fill a category if no stand-out was seen.

The nominees for the five main Matilda Awards remain secret until the night of the event.

Ten commendations are also made in the familiar categories:

• Best Mainstage Production
• Best Independent Production
• Best Direction
• Best Actress In A Lead Role
• Best Actor In A Lead Role
• Best Actress In A Supporting Role
• Best Actor In A Supporting Role
• Best New Australian Work
• Best Emerging Artist
• Best Design (set, lighting, sound or costume)

Winners are chosen by a panel of respected and experienced local practitioners and critics.

Previous recipients include current and past Artistic Directors of the Queensland Theatre Company Wesley Enoch and Michael Gow, this year two time Best Director nominee, and Theatre greats Sue Rider and Bille Brown.

This year hosted by Hayden Spencer and Carita Farrer with entertainment from Emma Dean and ACPA.

John Batchelor, most recently of Sea Patrol fame, will be making a special appearance and the night will undoubtedly bring out the best of the Brisbane theatre scene.

This years nominees can be found on the website along with the full history of the Matilda Awards: www.matildaawards.com.au