Queensland Theatre cancels entire production

Queensland Theatre cancels entire production

The Board of Queensland Theatre has been forced to cancel their season of POTUS, OR BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE due to health issues impacting their cast.

The company said in a statement:

‘This week the difficult decision was taken by the Board of Queensland Theatre to cancel the season of POTUS. After considerable deliberation, they unanimously determined that there were too many uncertainties to fulfil their duty of care and for the company to deliver a successful and safe season,’ the statement read.

'The entire Company are heartbroken for you, our audience and supporters, as we always want to deliver the outstanding theatre experiences you love and deserve. However, the wellbeing of our cast, creatives and crew is our top priority.

‘This decision was based on an assessment of the current status of the production, which as of Wednesday evening was:

  • one actor unable to perform due to injury (this role had been recast 12 hours earlier)
  • one actor unable to perform for personal reasons (this actor gave their notice yesterday and the role was not yet recast)
  • all Previews and Opening Night had been cancelled, due to the above 
  • first possible public performances were looking likely to be Wednesday 8 August
  • choreographers/movement directors were not available last minute to work at length with new cast members [in] the time frame, and
  • reasonable hours of cast, crew and POTUS Company and Queensland Theatre Company members after an extended tech week, including multiple cancellations.

‘The Board’s decision was communicated in a timely fashion to everyone who was present at on [sic] Wednesday night by Criena Gehrke, Executive Director of Queensland Theatre, and Dean Gibson, Chair of the Queensland Theatre Board. Those who were not present in person were notified by phone call,’ the statement continued.

‘I can confirm that Queensland Theatre will pay all contracts out in full.

‘The Board is acutely aware of the emotional impact and disappointment this decision may have on the POTUS Company and recognise the hard work, commitment and talent of all the dedicated cast, crew and creatives. Anyone who requires support has been offered access to our free and confidential Employee Assistance Program,’ the statement concluded.