Performers and crew members are reeling after an Australian theatre company behind major musicals like Elvis: A Musical Revolution and Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical folded, leaving behind debts of $7.5 million and unpaid wages.
The company, David Venn Enterprises, entered liquidation in August 2024, with 77 creditors, including hotels, media firms, and tech giant Meta, owed money.
The liquidator’s report reveals nearly $440,000 in outstanding superannuation.
Performers Left Blindside by Financial Collapse
One performer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed the cast was left blindsided by the financial collapse. “It has really messed a lot of people’s lives up.
People turned down other work with equal wages and long tours – people are still really angry,” they said.
The Melbourne premiere of Elvis: A Musical Revolution in 2023. Picture: Jason Edwards/ NCA
Government Compensation Offers Some Relief
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has paid out $744,000 to former staff under the Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme, but this does not include unpaid superannuation.
The production toured nationally with over 250 performances between June 2023 and July 2024. According to the performer, about 40 individuals were left without jobs and, in some cases, without notice.
New Venture Raises Questions
Despite the collapse, a new venture linked to Venn has already launched. ASIC records show that DV Live Pty Ltd, incorporated in February, is staging new shows, including Thrones!
The Musical Parody and Footloose: The Musical.
Venn’s mother is listed as director, while he remains the sole shareholder and lead producer. Venn claimed the new entity was formed with industry backing to continue creating jobs and opportunities within the performing arts.
Venn Speaks Out
Venn acknowledged the damage caused by the company’s collapse, saying audience demand simply did not match expectations. “Demand simply didn’t materialise at the level needed to cover costs,” he said.
He denied claims of excessive spending habits, including a $5,000 bar tab, and said he would never have allowed cast or crew to be left without accommodation or placed in vulnerable situations.
Venn expressed regret over the impact on affected team members and said he intends to repay what he can when financially possible.
“I cannot promise immediate repayment of the full figure, but it is absolutely my intention to pay back what I can,” he said.