Just six months after taking over the reins of the Sydney-based national theatre touring company Critical Stages, CEO Robbi James has announced the “difficult decision” to place the company into liquidation.

The company has ceased to trade with immediate effect. All employment contracts have been terminated.

Critical Stages Touring has been supporting artists and audiences around Australia since 2005, extending the life of notable independent theatre productions through touring and audience development.

The Good Room’s I Want to Know What Love Is. Photo © Stephen Henry

Its work was recognised by the Australia Council, with the company awarded National Touring Status from 2018-2021. Recent productions toured by the organisation include Steve Rodgers’ drama King of Pigs, former Critical Stages CEO Chris Bendall’s Black Sun Blood Moon, the Good Room’s I Want to Know What Love Is and William Zappa’s The Iliad – Out Loud.

Said James: “2023 has been an incredibly difficult year for CST financially. The touring landscape changed dramatically following the COVID shutdown period, with sharp increases in freight and travel costs coupled with decreased engagement and available investment in the marketplace. While audiences were starting to return to...