THE FUTURE OF THEATRE IN SYDNEY

At this reception, Business Sydney and Live Performance Australia  collaborated for the Future of Theatre in Sydney, featuring The Hon. John Graham MLC, Special Minister of State, Minister for Transport, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy.

The evening provided an opportunity to consider the significant contribution theatre makes to Sydney, supporting employment, tourism, hospitality, accommodation, retail and the broader night-time economy, while helping to reinforce Sydney’s position as a leading cultural destination. We also launched our thought leadership report, Our Theatres of Economic Dreams, which includes our suggested 5 Point Plan to support the live theatre sector. 

Our thanks to Richard Evans AM, President, Live Performance Australia, for welcoming guests, sharing insights into the work of Live Performance Australia and introducing Minister Graham.

We were delighted to hear from The Hon. John Graham MLC, who outlined the NSW Government’s vision for the future of theatre production in Sydney and the importance of a strong and sustainable live performance sector. 

Guests then heard from two engaging panel discussions. 

The first panel, Theatre: A Powerful Economic and Social Driver for Sydney, explored the contribution theatre makes to Sydney’s economy, tourism, employment, cultural identity and quality of life. The panel featured:

• Chris Rodwell, CEO, Australian Retail Council
• Margy Osmond, CEO, Tourism & Transport Forum Australia
• Richard Evans AM, President, Live Performance Australia

The second panel, Securing the Future of Live Performance, focused on practical solutions and how government, industry and business can work together to strengthen Sydney’s live performance sector. The panel featured:

• Houri Tapiki, General Manager, Theatre Royal Sydney
• Michael Cassel AM, Producer & CEO, Michael Cassel Group
• Craig McMaster, Director, Riverside Theatres
• Rodney Rigby, Producer / CEO, Newtheatricals Pty Ltd
• Anne Dunn, Executive Director & Co-CEO, Sydney Theatre Company; Executive Councillor, Live Performance Australia

The discussions highlighted both the significant opportunities and challenges facing Sydney’s live performance sector, and the importance of continued collaboration to ensure the city remains a vibrant destination for world-class theatre and live entertainment.

Thank you to Sam Nardo, Chief Operating Officer, Century - Venues, Events, Artists, for giving the vote of thanks. 

Sincere thanks to Live Performance Australia for supporting this important event and for their ongoing contribution to Sydney’s live performance industry.