HOTA’s commission for families with ARC Circus, A Bee Story 2 (recently renamed Garden Party: A Bee Story Adventure), has been nominated for a Matilda Award in the category ‘Best Circus and Physical Theatre Production’. Maria McRae has also been nominated for a Matilda Award in the category of ‘Best Design - Costume’ for her incredible costume designs.

Gold Coast locals ARC Circus are a multi-faceted international performing arts company. They’re in the business of celebrating and creating extraordinary stories, bringing them to life through the power of circus, dance, and theatre. Their multi-talented team are bound by art, invention, and curiosity.

It is a momentous occasion, being ARC Circus' first Matilda Awards nominations and the first work commissioned by HOTA to receive a nomination.

Founded in 1987, the Matilda Awards are a not-for-profit that celebrate and promote the excellence of Queensland’s theatre industry. As Queensland’s premier awards for performing arts, it honours the brightest and boldest artists across 20 categories.

HOTA are proud to have commissioned A Bee Story 2, which was also supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. ARC Circus is supported by City of Gold Coast. Thank you to all parties for their support in bringing this buzzy adventure to life.