Party time at the 2018 Matilda Awards- all the photos

It was all systems go before, during and after the 2018 Matilda Awards at the Brisbane Powerhouse, where artistic director Kris Stewart punctuated the award presentations with performances by Queensland entertainers including Michael Tuahine , from Song Lines who opened the show, Casus Circus, soprano Irena Lysiuk and the Dan Venz dancers backed by a great six-piece band.

Luke Kennedy sang You're the Voice from his one man tribute the John Farnham, From Johnny to Jack with an uncanny resemblance of the young John. Judy Hainsworth and Lewis Jones compered the show and ended with a riotous satirical version of What About Me?

The Matilda Awards also presented its inaugural Emerging Female Leader Award to Brisbane-based lighting designer Christine Felmingham. Christine, who has worked across theatre, dance and live performance, received a $1000 bursary from the Brisbane Women Arts Leadership Group and access to a 12-month program of mentoring.

Below are some of the shots taken by Deanne Scott during and after the special, sold out night.

Right: Full moon over the Powerhouse.

Below: Michael Tuahine who opened the show

Flipside Circus and Metro Arts won Best Circus or Physical Theatre award.

Award presenter Steve Tandy (right) with David Berthold

Below: Emerging Female Leader Award to Brisbane-based lighting designer Christine Felmingham with Best Loghting Design winner David Walters. Right: Best male lead actor Paul Bishop wit co-star Elise Greig.

Future D. Fidel (centre) who wrote The Prize Fighter, joint winner with The Longest Minute of the Best Mainstage Production with its stars Gideon (left) and Pacharo Mzembe

Compere and award winner Judy Hainsworth with Eric Scott

Luke Kennedy wowing the audience with You're the Voice.

The audience that filled the theatre.