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“The arts is dying in this country”: The crisis threatening live shows

Jul 1, 2026 •

They were some of the biggest stage productions in the country, starring some of the biggest names in the biz. But in the space of just two weeks, Beetlejuice and Waitress: The Musical have had their tours cut short, leaving the cast and crew devastated. 

Now, stars like Nat Bass are sounding the alarm as the industry struggles to stay afloat amid rising costs and slumping ticket sales.

Today, arts executive John Glenn on the crisis threatening the future of theatre and live shows, and what can be done to save the industry.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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“The arts is dying in this country”: The crisis threatening live shows

1969 • Jul 1, 2026

“The arts is dying in this country”: The crisis threatening live shows

They were some of the biggest stage productions in the country, starring some of the biggest names in the biz. But in the space of just two weeks, Beetlejuice and Waitress: The Musical have had their tours cut short, leaving the cast and crew devastated. 

Now, stars like Nat Bass are sounding the alarm as the industry struggles to stay afloat amid rising costs and slumping ticket sales.

Today, arts executive John Glenn on the crisis threatening the future of theatre and live shows, and what can be done to save the industry.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Guest: CEO of AANT Centre, John Glenn

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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.

It’s made by Arielle Richards, Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Krystal Keller, Ruby Jones, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.

Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.





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1969: “The arts is dying in this country”: The crisis threatening live shows