Empire Theatres hits 2.5 million tickets sold
When Bree Miller booked her seats to Rolling Thunder Vietnam, she had no way of knowing she’d just become the lucky purchaser of the Empire Theatre’s 2.5 millionth ticket.
The theatre has been on high alert since the beginning of the year as the huge milestone was expected to be reached early in the 2023 season, with the winning ticket sold to Toowoomba resident Bree in April.
In the 25th year of operation since its grand reopening in 1997, the Empire is celebrating this achievement with the lucky ticket purchaser to receive a large prize packaged donated by a host of generous local businesses, priced more than $15,000.
The prize includes a $2500 Empire Theatres voucher, a stunning one of a kind Empire Theatres inspired custom pendant by Ryley Jewellery Creations valued at $6550, a $4000 Choices Flooring voucher, accommodation and restaurant packages, beauty vouchers and more.
Bree was expecting to buy her tickets and simply enjoy the show, so was surprised and thrilled to be told she had purchased the 2.5 millionth ticket.
“I bought the tickets for my father; we have been to the Empire Theatre to watch Rolling Thunder Vietnam before and thought it was fantastic the first time.”
“Dad is a Vietnam veteran so it’s quite special for him and the way the storyline and actors play it out is spectacular – we had to come back again.”
“It’s very exciting and totally unexpected to have won!” she said.
Empire Theatres General Manager, Kerry Saul said he was thrilled to see The Empire reach this momentous milestone.
“Certainly, to reach 2.5 million tickets sold over the course of the past 25 years is a huge achievement for the theatre and for our team; a moment worthy of celebration,” Mr Saul said.
“This was our way of celebrating, giving back and thanking our audience for their past and continued support of the theatre, and we congratulate our 2.5 millionth ticket holder on their win and the amazing prize pool they can now call their own.”
Mr Saul said it had been a tough couple of years for the arts and for venues, but that it was heartening to see how live performance had bounced back and was being supported by audiences.
“The theatre has grown so much in the past 25 plus years, becoming a thriving four-venue precinct and developing arts in our regions, so when we are able to see a figure like 2.5 million, it really confirms how valuable an asset the Empire Theatre is to the community,” he said.
"When we are able to see a figure like 2.5 million, it really confirms how valuable an asset the Empire Theatre is to the community."
Kerry Saul, General Manager
“We have begun Season 2023 with some incredible performances including our in-house production of The Boy from Oz and two performances of Queensland Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“The season continues with a packed schedule including comedians like Jimmy Carr and some wonderful children’s theatre with Mr Stink and Possum Magic and some powerful drama with Bell Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and award-winning tour-de-force, Prima Facie.
#What’s New
After four sold-out shows in September of this year, Theatre of Magic is returning by popular demand to The Empire for a six-month series of performances.
The Empire Foundation has continued their commitment to supporting and nurturing the young performers of the region with the presentation of the 2024 Empire Youth Bursaries.
The Southern Queensland Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) will shine a light on talented artists across Southern Queensland with the creation of a high-quality publication aimed at celebrating the spirit and stories of Southern Queensland art and culture.
A remarkable true story of unity, humanity and hope lands on The Empire stage when Tony and Olivier Award-winning hit Broadway musical Come From Away performs from 14 – 23 March 2025.
The Empire’s popular family festival Thrive on Arts will return from September 26-29, celebrating all things nature and the environment.
In the lead-up to 2024 NAIDOC Week celebrations, The Empire launched their Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in support of their ongoing commitment to fostering reconciliation in Australia.
