30/06/2026
JONES Theatrical Group is deeply saddened by the recent closures of Beetlejuice and Waitress. Our thoughts are with everyone affected—not only the performers we see onstage, but also the technicians, crew members, managers, musicians, wardrobe departments, venue staff, marketers, publicists, ticketing agencies, hospitality workers and the many hundreds of Australians whose livelihoods depend on every production that comes into every town and city across the country.
What we do matters. The facts speak for themselves. Live performance generates more than $4 billion for the economy and supports over 30,000 jobs. With more than 31.4 million tickets sold in 2024, we reached more than the combined attendances of Australia’s major sporting codes, yet the cost of producing world‑class theatre is increasing at an unsustainable rate.
We need to recognise commercial live performance for the major economic industry it already is. The United Kingdom has demonstrated that a live theatre production tax incentive can strengthen an entire industry. We need government support to create the conditions for more productions, more employment and greater investment in Australian theatre.
At JONES, we remain optimistic about the future of Australian live entertainment. We believe this moment presents an opportunity to have a broader conversation about recognising commercial live performance as one of Australia’s great economic industries.
Our audiences continue to show us how much live entertainment matters. Now is the time to ensure that policy encourages more productions, more investment, more jobs and stronger communities so future generations can experience the power of live performance.
Hear more from our CEO & Producer, Suzanne Jones, on what needs to change in the Australian theatre industry and the importance of advocating for tax relief in today’s interview with ABC News. Our full statement is available on LinkedIn.
