The Australian production of Waitress has cancelled its planned Sydney season, with producers John Frost for Crossroads Live confirming the musical will conclude its run in Melbourne on 19 July.

A brief statement on the Waitress website announced that the Sydney engagement at the Lyric Theatre would no longer proceed.

“Regrettably, the Sydney season of Waitress will not proceed,” the statement said. “Ticketmaster are actively engaging with ticket holders with further information regarding refunds. We understand that this is disappointing news and we sincerely thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.”

The Sydney run had been scheduled to begin on 1 August.

Gabriyel Thomas, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Mackenzie Dunn in Waitress. Photo @ Jeff Busby

The Australian staging of the hit Broadway musical stars Natalie Bassingthwaighte as diner owner Jenna Hunterson and Rob Mills as Dr Pomatter. The production opened in Brisbane earlier this year before transferring to Melbourne.

Based on the 2007 film written by Adrienne Shelly, Waitress features music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles and a book by Jessie Nelson. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2016 and has enjoyed multiple international productions.

Limelight reviewer Patricia Maunder described it as “among the more memorable contemporary musicals, mostly because of songs that inspire toe-tapping and heartache.”

The news comes hot on the heels of the cancellation of the Sydney season of Beetlejuice The Musical and the announcement that the Arena di Verona production of Aida would no longer be coming to Adelaide in early 2027.

Ticket holders have been advised that they will be contacted directly regarding refund arrangements.