Natalie Bassingthwaighte has spoken out ahead of the final few shows of the Australian run of Waitress the Musical.
At the end of June, it was announced that the musical was to be cancelled due to low ticket sales, with the final show set to take place in Melbourne on July, 19.
The theatre show Waitress, starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, was planned to complete seasons in Adelaide, Sydney and PErth before its cancellation. Jeff Busby
“It has been so incredible to sit in the gratitude for all the many amazing women I have had the opportunity to play in my career,” Bassingthwaighte wrote on Instagram alongside a carousel of images documenting her roles.
“These characters spoke to me in ways that are hard to put into words. They always came at a time when I needed them the most.
“These women were raw and real. Struggling to find their place. But they did. Each story unique, but at the core, a celebration of finding themselves along the way.
“I was able to share these stories with thousands, nationwide, seemingly at a time when they needed it too. How great to look back with pride and celebrate theatre.
“Keep watching and supporting these stories and experiences. You will be changed for good.”
Bassingthwaighte addressed the fact that since the cancellation of Waitress, she has said she is done with musical theatre, joking that she has said that before and always comes back.
“Here’s to the next adventures. On and off the stage 💋🙏🏻🌈❤️,” she signed off.
Her Waitress co-star, Rob Mills, showed his support, commenting on the post, “Love you mate”.
The musical opened in Brisbane in early 2026, moving to Melbourne in May. The show was then set to complete tours of Sydney, Perth and Adelaide before it was cancelled.
The musical saw two veterans of the Aussie entertainment industry come together, Bassingthwaighte and Rob Mills. Supplied
When news of the cancellation was announced, Bassingthwaighte took to her Instagram story to share a statement about the state of the theatre industry in Australia.
“The arts is dying in this country and that hurts my heart beyond anything. The amount of effort and time and love that people have put in these careers, their passion, their dedication. It only spreads to an audience, and it gives humanity reasons to live,” she said.
The show’s producer, John Frost, said that the decision was not made lightly, and that everyone involved with the production was “incredibly proud” and grateful for the work of everyone involved.
“Whilst audience enthusiasm for our work remained strong, attendance levels and box office have not been sufficient to support the cost of the production,” he said.