LOCAL theatre company Swich Up Productions has capped off a remarkable season, winning 10 awards at the recent Gold Palm Awards on the Gold Coast for its production of Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical.
The Gold Palm Awards, affectionately known as the Palmies, celebrate excellence in community theatre across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, recognising outstanding achievements by local theatre groups and schools. Established in 2009, the awards acknowledge the vital contribution community theatre makes to the cultural life of the region.
This year, Swich Up Productions stood out from the field, claiming the prestigious Production of the Year award alongside a host of individual and creative honours.
Musical director Julie Whiting, choreographer Jennifer B. Ashley and sound designer Daniel Monteith were recognised for their behind-the-scenes excellence, while performers Matt Leigh, Nykita O’Keeffe and Cameron Rollo were honoured for their standout onstage performances.
Leigh also received the award for Magic Moment of Theatre for his performance of Confrontation, while Adrian Carr was recognised for both set design and program design.
Swich Up Productions was also nominated for Best Costumes and Best Director, rounding out an exceptional awards showing after entering the night as finalists in 12 categories.
SUP co-founder Adrian Carr said the company was still riding high after an unforgettable night.
“We are absolutely still buzzing from an unbelievable night at Dracula’s for the Gold Palm Awards,” he said. “We went in as finalists in 12 categories and are completely overwhelmed to be walking away with 10 awards, including the top honour of the night.
“This recognition means the world to us. Jekyll & Hyde was a massive undertaking – a gothic monster of a show – and it took a village of 80 incredibly passionate cast, crew and creatives to bring it to life.
“To every single person involved in this production, these awards are yours. Your talent, dedication and heart were on that stage every night.”
Following the success of Jekyll & Hyde, Swich Up Productions has already turned its focus to its next major project, with rehearsals well underway for the 2026 production of the multi-award-winning smash hit Kinky Boots.
The feel-good musical, which celebrates life, love and friendship, will be staged at the Ipswich Civic Centre from March 27-29.
With strong demand already building and more than half of the tickets reportedly sold, theatre lovers are being encouraged to book early to secure the best seats. Tickets are available through the Ipswich Civic Centre box office.
Fresh from a sweeping awards victory, Swich Up Productions is once again set to deliver a must-see theatrical experience for Ipswich audiences.
