The Australian production of Waitress will not proceed with its planned Sydney season, with the musical now set to close at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre on 19 July.
A statement on the official Waitress website confirms that the Sydney season has been cancelled, with Ticketmaster contacting ticket holders regarding refunds.
“Regrettably, the Sydney season of WAITRESS will not proceed,” the statement reads. “We understand that this is disappointing news and we sincerely thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.”
The production, starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Jenna alongside Rob Mills as Dr Pomatter, opened in Melbourne ahead of a Sydney season that was due to begin at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on 1 August. Featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, a book by Jessie Nelson and direction by Diane Paulus, the musical is based on Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 film about a small-town waitress and pie maker seeking a new life.
Bassingthwaighte has since spoken publicly about the disappointment of the early closure, acknowledging the work invested by the cast, musicians, crew and wider company. Her comments come amid growing concern across Australia’s live performance sector, following a series of high-profile cancellations and shortened tours.
The news follows the recent announcement that Beetlejuice The Musical would close early in Brisbane and cancel planned seasons in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. Earlier this year, the Australian production of Back to the Future: The Musical also ended its Sydney run without proceeding to a national tour.
Producers and industry figures have pointed to rising production and touring costs, cost-of-living pressures and softer box office performance as major factors affecting the viability of large-scale musical theatre in Australia. The impact is felt well beyond the principal cast, extending to ensemble performers, swings, musicians, stage management, technical crews, wardrobe, wigs, make-up, front-of-house staff and venues.
While Waitress will no longer travel to Sydney, the Melbourne season continues until 19 July.