Theatre audiences still show up. So why do so many shows fail to make money?
Despite high attendance numbers, major Australian theatre companies are struggling to remain profitable due to rising operational costs. Financial reports show that while box-office revenue is increasing, expenses are outpacing income, leading to significant deficits.
Why it matters
It illustrates the economic fragility of the arts sector even when public engagement remains high, raising questions about the sustainability of large-scale productions.
Beetlejuice closed its Brisbane run early due to the logistical realities of touring in Australia. ( Supplied: Michael Cassel Group/Michelle Grace Hunder )
Link copied Share Share article Recent cancellations of major musical theatre productions, including Waitress and Beetlejuice , have raised an obvious question: has Australian theatre become too expensive?
It's tempting to blame the audience. As people contend with higher mortgages, rent and bills, a night at the theatre seems easy to cut. But that doesn't mean everyone has.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2025 General Social Survey found 22.8 per cent of Australians aged 15 and over had attended a theatre performance in the 12 months prior. That's more than 5 million people.
So if people are still going to the theatre, why is it getting harder to make the numbers work?
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