Theatre industry ‘raring to go’ but stuck in limbo

Melbourne’s musical theatre blockbusters are in doubt, with industry figures raising concerns over reopening with “unviable” crowd limits.

Australia’s peak live performance industry body is pushing for three key dates to reopen Melbourne’s musical theatre blockbusters.

Live Performance Australia chief executive Evelyn Richardson said big ticket shows including Moulin Rouge, Frozen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child should reopen to 50 per cent crowds in mid-November, 75 per cent on December 1, and full capacity on January 1.

“We have put those dates to (the Victorian) government and we will keep working with them on that,” Ms Richardson said.

Moulin Rouge has postponed three premieres at the Regent Theatre due to lockdown, Harry Potter is at the Princess Theatre, and Frozen at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Big-ticket shows, such as Frozen, want to return with 50 per cent crowds in mid-November. Picture: Tim Hunter

“It’s really important for us to have that pathway out,” Ms Richardson she added.

“Our live music sector has not come back from this. There are people who haven’t worked for two years. We need to provide opportunities for people to get back to work, back to our theatres, and back to our live music venues.”

When Victoria hits 80 per cent vaccination targets in early November, crowd caps at indoor venues will be lifted to 150 people.

Ms Richardson said those numbers are “unviable” for the multimillion-dollar musicals still in limbo.

“We can see the restrictions will be eased more slowly in Victoria compared to in NSW,” she said.

“But we would like to see, by the end of the year, the two states align. We need to be able to move out musicians and artists between our two largest markets.”

Rehearsals have restarted for the Melbourne Theatre Company. Picture: David Caird

The LPA welcomed Victorian Premier Dan Andrews’ announcement of a concert at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on October 30, although line-up and crowd numbers have yet to be revealed.

“It’s the first indicator the government is looking to bring back large-scale events. But smaller venues are operating at a 1 per 4 square metre rule. That doesn’t allow you scope to do much.”

Vas Katos, of entertainment firm Anthem, and whose clients include Live Nation, Australian Ballet, Frozen The Musical and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, said arts, music and cultural leaders were keen to reboot.

He said the strong response to Dua Lipa’s shows in late 2022, with extra dates added in Sydney and Melbourne, proved there was an appetite for live music.

“Everyone, be it concert promoters, theatre producers, or cultural institutions, are ready,” Mr Katos said.

“The industry is raring to go, and the public is, too.”