The Sydney shows of musical ‘Waitress’ have been cancelled due to economic reasons.
The show, starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Rob Mills, was originally scheduled to run in Sydney from August 1 through to October 2026.
In an Instagram post, the Media Entertainment and Arts Aliance said:
“The loss of the Sydney season of Waitress highlights the growing pressure on Australia’s live performance industry.
“We are calling for government and industry to work together to protect jobs, support workers and keep live theatre accessible for everyone. The next National Cultural Policy needs to support a sustainable future for workers in the industry – as well as improved access for audiences.
“Australians value live theatre and working families should be able to afford a night at the theatre and the talented cast, crew and musicians behind the show need secure, sustainable careers.”
The statement was published with a clip of Erin Madeley, chief executive of the MEAA, speaking on Today Extra on Wednesday.
“We’re really calling on the government to step up and have a look at what it means to have a thriving live performance sector at large.
“We are calling along with industry, to see incentives for productions, like the screen industry. The screen industry has tax incentives that have been really paramount in making Australian stories are told.
Explaining that all Australians deserve access to live performances, Madeley added, “We’re also calling for direct funding.”
View this post on Instagram
‘Not immune to these challenges’
Crossroads Live Australia chief executive John Frost confirmed on Sunday the final performance of the musical would be in Melbourne on July 19.
“This decision was not made lightly,” Frost said in a statement, according to the ABC.
“While we remain incredibly proud of the production and grateful for the dedication and passion of everyone involved, the challenging economic conditions currently facing audiences have had a significant impact on the live entertainment industry.”
Frost added that “softer box office performance across the country, [has placed] considerable pressure on productions of all sizes.”
“Unfortunately, we have not been immune to these challenges.”
Frost further explained, “Whilst audience enthusiasm for our work remained strong, attendance levels and box office have not been sufficient to support the cost of the production.
“I’m disappointed we can’t take this production further and am immensely grateful to the exceptional Waitress company and everyone who has embraced the show so wholeheartedly.”
The decision about ‘Waitress’ comes a week after Beetlejuice the Musical announced it would be closing its Australian tour early, while it’s in Brisbane.
Scheduled performances in Sydney, Perth and Adelaide have all been cancelled.
Producer the Michael Cassel Group said increasing cost pressures and “a more cautious consumer environment” was the main factor in the situation.
Main image: The MEAA has slammed the forced early closure of ‘Waitress’. Image: Supplied