Queensland Theatre Company has reported a significantly improved financial position in 2025, reducing its operating deficit despite increased investment in artistic programming, higher production costs and the loss of five performances to Cyclone Alfred. 

The company’s annual report shows total income rose to $14.13 million, up from $13.17 million in 2024, while expenses fell slightly to $15.12 million, resulting in a deficit less than half the previous year’s $2.24 million loss. Total assets increased to $10.27 million, with equity standing at $5.31 million. 

The financial result came despite the cancellation of five performances of Pride & Prejudice due to the impact of Cyclone Alfred. The company also cited a difficult fundraising environment and rising production costs as factors affecting the result. 

Queensland Theatre Company nevertheless delivered one of its strongest artistic years in recent memory, attracting 76,923 attendees across eight productions and 185 performances, generating $4.98 million in box office revenue. Paid attendance reached 63,913, while subscription sales increased by 11.45 percent over 2024. 

The year’s biggest commercial success was Julia, starring Justine Clarke, which earned more than $1.21 million from 18 performances and attracted 14,579 patrons. The report notes it exceeded its box office target by 32 percent. 

Justine Clarke in Julia. Photo © Prudence Upton

Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men also proved a major draw, grossing just over $1.01 million from 17 performances and playing to almost 12,000 audience members. The production later dominated the 2025 Matilda Awards, winning Best Mainstage Production, Best Direction for Daniel Evans and four other awards. 

Although five performances were cancelled, Pride & Prejudice remained one of the company’s strongest performers, attracting 13,725 patrons and generating almost $991,000 in ticket sales.

Other successful productions included Calamity Jane ($625,896), Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica ($450,324), Back to Bilo ($249,364), Dear Son ($221,600) and Malacañang Made Us ($207,053). 

Chair Dean Gibson said the company had entered 2025 in a stable financial position with healthy cash reserves and remained confident the strategic investments made during the year would support long-term sustainability and a return to surplus.

Chief executive Criena Gehrke said the company’s transformation was already delivering stronger audience engagement, a $1.5 million increase in ticket sales and record subscription growth despite the year’s operational challenges.