Awards for Queensland's top theatre

Artistic excellence and outstanding achievements in Queensland's theatre industry have been recognised at the 2013 Matilda Awards.

Having provided funding of $13,000 for this year's Awards, Queensland Arts Minister Ian Walker congratulated the winners at the annual ceremony in Brisbane.

Minister Walker stated "the Matilda Awards (foster) a strong community of arts, and increasing public value for arts and culture."

Minister Walker presented gold Matilda Awards to actors Barbara Lowing and Christen O'Leary, director-actor Andrea Moor, lighting designer Jason Glenwright and independent theatre company Shake & Stir.

He stated "Barbara Lowing is a noted theatre and screen actor now appearing in the hit television series Secrets & Lies on Network Ten, while Helpmann Award-winning actress Christen O'Leary wowed audiences as Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow.

"Andrea Moor switched to directing after an acting career, while lighting designer Jason Glenwright has designed more than 150 productions.

"Shake & Stir have had major success with Tequila Mockingbird and 1984, which is now on a national tour taking in 31 venues across four states, including a tour of six Queensland communities funded through the Queensland Government's Playing Queensland Fund."

Matilda Award Committee Chair Rosemary Walker said the Matilda Awards were celebrating 27 years, with 17 awards presented at this evening's ceremony, concluding "it's gratifying to see the awards grow each year and gain support from the local theatre sector and emerging companies."

For more information about the Matilda Awards go to

http://www.matildaawards.com.au