LORStage Asia Pacific enters voluntary administration, a sad turn after an ambitious Australian tour

AussieTheatre.com has received a notification from an undisclosed sender that contains an email from Torben Brookman, Director of LORStage Asia Pacific Pty Ltd and co owner of GWB Entertainment. In that message, sent on Friday 5 September 2025 at 10.50 am, Brookman informs suppliers and colleagues that the company has entered voluntary administration. The tone of the correspondence is heartfelt and regretful, and the implications for artists, crews, and suppliers are sobering.

“I’m writing to inform you that we have unfortunately had to make the decision to place LORStage Asia Pacific Pty Ltd into Voluntary Administration.”

“This has been a devastating decision to make as we are aware of the impact that this has on our long-term suppliers and partners.”

“Until now, as has been previously communicated, we had every reason to believe in the on-going viability of the business due to strong onward international interest in the production.”

“The challenge for us was to balance the timing of future revenues with the immediate obligations of the company.”

“Unfortunately, we are no longer able to do so due to a letter of demand which we cannot address within the timeframe provided. As such, we’ve made the hard decision to place the company into Administration.”

“We are incredibly grateful for your role in the production and the support that you have shown and are incredibly sorry that it has come to this.”

“The Administrator has been provided with your details and will be in contact in due course to advise of next steps.”

“Please contact me should you have any questions, and I will do my best to answer whatever I can.”

A towering creative effort, and a difficult outcome

Earlier this year, Brookman helped bring THE LORD OF THE RINGS, A MUSICAL TALE to Australian audiences in a large scale actor musician staging. GWB Entertainment operates from Australia and the United Kingdom, producing and presenting first class theatrical productions across the region. Brookman’s path into commercial theatre was not linear. He studied science at the University of Adelaide and was set to start honours in exercise physiology, before a pivotal stint at WOMADelaide in 1999 drew him into the arts.

The Australian season of THE LORD OF THE RINGS, A MUSICAL TALE opened at Sydney’s State Theatre on 7 January 2025, then moved to Crown Theatre, Perth from 19 March, the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne from 26 April, and the Gold Coast’s HOTA from 4 to 20 July. The musical retells Tolkien’s trilogy with book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus, and original music by A. R. Rahman, Värttinä, and Christopher Nightingale. Its actor musician approach and intimate storytelling were developed at The Watermill Theatre in the United Kingdom and in Chicago before the Australian outing.

Casting combined familiar musical theatre names with multi skilled instrumentalists, including Rarmian Newton as Frodo Baggins, Laurence Boxhall as Gollum, Jemma Rix as Galadriel, Ian Stenlake as Saruman, and Rob Mallett as Strider. Announcing the company, Brookman said, “We have assembled some of the best actors, musicians, and musical theatre talent from across Australia to bring this epic tale to life on stage.”

Following its Australian run, the production has closed locally and is set to continue its international journey, opening in Singapore from 12 August 2025. The contrast between creative momentum and today’s administrative news is painful. It will be felt across the ecosystem, from casuals and contractors to long term suppliers who helped build the show city by city.

What voluntary administration means for stakeholders

Voluntary administration places an independent practitioner in control of a company while options are assessed. Creditors are called to meetings, and potential outcomes include a deed of company arrangement, a return to directors, or liquidation. For many in the arts community, this process can be confusing and distressing. The message from LORStage acknowledges that reality with unusually candid language, and it recognises the human impact behind the ledger.

AussieTheatre.com extends our sincere concern to the artists, crews, suppliers, and to Torben Brookman and GWB Entertainment. We acknowledge that show business is difficult and risky, especially now, as producers face rising costs, shifting audience demand, and uncertainty in the global economy. We recognise the hours, the craft, and the care that brought this production to audiences across Australia, and we hope for fair and compassionate outcomes for all involved.