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News.com.au
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Extravagant' party before entertainment company's collapse
The 'extravagant' party to celebrate the opening night of a big name musical included a Cadillac in the centre of the room, cocktails and go-go dancers – but behind the scenes the company was staring down potential troubles. Videos of the night reveal generous platters filled with meats and vegetables, dipping sauces and breads and cheeses, as well as people drinking and talking as they surround a Cadillac while colourful lights flash around the room. The party had been put on by Australian producer David Venn and his company to mark the start of Elvis: The Musical Revolution's season in Sydney. But a year later the company called David Venn Enterprises spectacularly collapsed owing $7.5 million, with Mr Venn pointing to ticket sales not meeting expectations and broader financial risks such as high operating costs and unpredictable revenue leaving little margin for error in the live entertainment industry. What wasn't known to those at the glamorous August 2023 party, including the cast and crew who ended up being owed tens of thousands of dollars each, was that David Venn Enterprises was potentially trading insolvent already in June that year, according to a liquidator's report. Now another artist Sam*, who was involved with the Elvis production, has come forward to raise questions about the flashy display, given the company's financial troubles that later emerged. 'The Elvis opening night was wild for a producer compared to things I've done before – it's rather extraordinary,' Sam, who asked that their real name be withheld, told Sam said the party, held at the Sofitel Wentworth had go-go dancers, as well as the Cadillac that had been brought into the foyer of the function rooms. 'It was further than most opening nights – it was a full produced gala. It wasn't like drinks and nibbles and chats with anyone. I was shocked – it was extravagant,' he added. Meanwhile, an artist who previously blew the whistle on how the abrupt cancellation of the show came with just eight days notice and also asked that their name be withheld, said they remembered thinking the party was 'quite over the top'. 'In comparison, the next opening night we had there were mini spring rolls and samosas served from foil oven trays from a folding table in the foyer of the Atheneum (theatre in Melbourne),' they said. Mr Venn, from the production company, declined to further comment on the most recent claims but previously said he regretted the impact of the company's collapse on those affected and remained committed to doing the right thing where circumstances allow. Cast and crew faced turmoil inside the production before the company went under as an unpaid superannuation bill of $440,000 racked up and seasons in Melbourne and New Zealand faced cancellation. Documents obtained by also showed that just $304,000 will be returned to creditors from the $7.5 million owed after they voted to accept a personal insolvency agreement. A government scheme paid out $744,000 in outstanding entitlements to employees of David Venn Enterprises after its collapse, learned. Now a big name industry player who is behind some of the country's most recognisable shows is speaking out about how he worked with Mr Venn and his company when Mr Venn was an 'up and coming producer' but felt 'bitten' after their interactions. Vas Katos has worked in the entertainment industry for 30 years and launched his latest company Anthem in 2021. It boasts clients such as Live Nation, festivals and iconic art institutions, invests in Broadway and West End shows and has worked on the likes of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and SIX the Musical. 'Alarm bells' started to ring when Mr Venn's business had racked up a bill of around $400,000 with Anthem, Mr Katos claims, before the debt was slashed to half via a payment plan. But it's not about the lost money for Mr Katos. Instead he said there is a bigger problem in the industry that he claims props up people even when debts go bad. 'It doesn't really hurt us as the money owed was relatively small as we pushed hard to bring down the debt,' he told Mr Katsos thought he might be able to use his 'clout' to ensure payment, until the 'avalanche of debt came to light', he added. 'But this seems to be so unique in the theatre business and it's so highly disrespectful and immoral to be working while (potentially) insolvent but everyone in the industry seems to accept it,' he said. 'It's really not fair especially to artists who only get a gig or two a year and the production crew.' Mr Venn previously told that ticket sales for the Elvis season did not meet expectations, despite best efforts and significant marketing investment. 'Demand simply didn't materialise at the level needed to cover costs,' he said, adding he had cancelled the remaining tour to prevent further losses and risk to all involved. He said there was a significant and unforeseen drop in ticket sales part way through the tour and strategies to improve revenue were pursued but the company's financial position did not recover in time. Mr Katos is especially critical that Mr Venn has already launched a new outfit this year – with his mum as the company's director — called DV Live that has already staged a number of musicals. 'I just don't give young producers a go as the industry is set up to protect bad behaviour,' he said. 'That's unfortunate for the industry at large as it makes it harder for the next up and comer to work with the best agencies … If it's a one off that's OK but it has been endemic in the industry.' Mr Katos acknowledged being a producer is high risk for anyone but said they should also be prepared that if a show is a 'disaster to cut it off'. 'If Elvis was not a success in Sydney, cut it off,' he added. 'Don't chase losses as the performers and production crew can't afford it. 'It keeps me up at night and boils my blood. People give services in good faith they will be paid – it wouldn't happen in other industries – they would be black-listed.' revealed that Mr Venn had told artists in a Gold Coast meeting last year that Elvis' return to Sydney had sent the company's finances backwards with the show costing $450,000 a week to operate. Sam has also questioned whether David Venn Enterprises should have been shut down earlier. 'I feel like it was continuing because the word Elvis was in the show but ticket sales reflections should have been obvious enough about not continuing,' they said. 'It would have been much better to cancel as opposed to racking up $7.5 million in debt over a year.' DV Live, where Mr Venn is the 100 per cent shareholder, was incorporated in February this year. Sam claims that DV Live was launched just days before the company put on Footloose: The Musical this year. Mr Venn previously said DV Live is a new opportunity that was started to contribute to an entertainment industry he is passionate about. 'DV Live was built with the support of industry partners, believing in the work we were achieving before the liquidation. It is only through these relationships that we have been able to get off the ground again,' he said. 'My mother was appointed as director. We are both actively working on the business daily and I continue in the role of lead producer as an employee.' He added DV Live is a separate entity which continues to meet all legal obligations. Mitchell Ball from insolvency firm Mackay Goodwin was appointed as the liquidator of David Venn Enterprises. His investigations found poor economic conditions, the inability to pay statutory debts when they fell due, trading losses, inadequate cash flow or high cash use and the inability to service loans obtained were all factors that contributed to the company's failure. Mr Venn blamed the company's collapse on struggling ticket sales amid high competition, cost of living pressures causing consumers to have less discretionary income, and licensing and creative issues with entertainment product leading to reduced sales. The report also identified 17 transactions in the books and records of the company 'that may be considered unreasonable director-related transactions', but investigations were continuing. Mr Venn said the liquidator's report raised matters that he takes seriously and responded to appropriately at the time. 'It's important to note that the report does not fully reflect the broader financial context at the time, including significant advance ticket sales and pending investment commitments that were expected to support the business and its obligations,' he said. *Name has been changed
Metro
21-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Metro
I no longer wake up covered in sweat — these are the most comfortable PJs ever
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more When the British summer decides to turn up the heat, those sticky, muggy nights can make it tough to relax, let alone get a good night's sleep. And let's be honest, sleeping starkers isn't for everyone. Sometimes you want that light layer to feel cosy without overheating, or need to be able to quickly jump out of bed when the kids need you! That's where The Oodie's Cooling PJs come in. They give you the comfort of PJs but with clever cooling tech that keeps you feeling fresh. Because, if there was a Venn diagram including 'comfort' and 'cool', 'best sleep possible' is right in the centre there. And luckily, The Oodie are treating customers to a sitewide sale! From 1am BST Tuesday July 22 to 1am August 1, shoppers can snag their own pair of cooling PJs at 30% off their normal price. Made from a modal blend fabric that's 21% more breathable than regular cotton jersey, this PJ top is silky-soft, lightweight, and designed to keep you cool all night long. It features four-way stretch for extra comfort, is pre-shrunk so it holds its shape wash after wash, and the fade-resistant fabric means it stays looking fresh. BUY NOW FOR £27.30 (WAS £39) – SAVE 30% We've scoured the site's reviews so you don't have to do the hard work (you're welcome) and shoppers have shared their love of the cooling effect – especially those who suffer from hot flushes. Cathy M wrote: 'These are great for me due to being menopausal and suffering night sweats. These help keep me cool at night.' Ok, so far, does what it says on the tin. These breathable, buttery-soft shorts are the perfect match for your cooling top. With a relaxed fit and plenty of stretch, they're made for lounging, sleeping, or just surviving a heatwave in comfort. BUY NOW FOR £27.30 (WAS £39) – SAVE 30% Annabel T went one step further and said the PJs are 'better than expected': 'So these days it's hard to find things that match up to your expectations but these exceeded mine. I can get quite hot at night and these are genuinely cooling. You notice when you first put them on but also I tend to sleep better in them too. I would definitely recommend. I'd love to buy these in other colours if they had them.' Note to The Oodie… Another reviewer, Nicole S, hailed them the 'Best pjs ever', and wrote: 'These are the most comfortable and lightweight pjs I've ever worn. I no longer wake up covered in sweat, I sleep the whole night comfortably. I highly recommend these pjs, you won't be sorry.' So, how do these PJs cool you down exactly? Well, they're made using a modal blend fabric that's said to be 21% more breathable than regular cotton jersey. Not only are they lightweight and breathable, they're also buttery-soft — so no more tossing, turning, or sticking to your sheets! Depending on your preference, the Cooling range comes in a variety of designs, including a cute blue cloud print and playful pink love candy. You can mix and match with options like short or long sleeve tops, shorts, full-length trousers or cuffed bottoms. More Trending The sale is available exclusively on The Oodie's website, and it couldn't be easier to take advantage as there's no discount code to add; your 30% discount is automatically applied at checkout. So if this summer's hot nights have you struggling (can relate), now's the time to chill, literally. And hey, why not prep for the colder months too? Grab one of The Oodie's iconic Original Oodies – made with sherpa fleece and flannel, it's basically a wearable hug for winter. The sale is sitewide, after all… Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Best buys to keep cool in this heatwave – from fans to cooling mists MORE: The best SPF for your undereyes, face, scalp, hands and body for full protection MORE: Struggling to sleep at night? These are the best fans to keep you cool in a heatwave
DW
10-07-2025
- DW
Australia: Police seek missing German backpacker – DW – 07/10/2025
Police in Australia are searching for a young German backpacker who went missing more than 10 days ago. Her van has been found unattended deep in Western Australia's Wheatbelt region. Police in Australia have issued a public appeal for help as they continue their search for a 26-year-old German woman who went missing more than a week ago while backpacking in the state of Western Australia. daily later reported that a van belonging to the woman, Carolina Wilga, had been found unattended near Karroun Hill, some 300 km (186 miles) northeast of the state's capital, Perth, early on Thursday afternoon. The paper said that the vehicle appeared to have suffered mechanical issues. Wilga was last seen on June 29 at a general store in the small agricultural town of Beacon, also situated to the northeast of Perth, police said. "Carolina departed that area about five minutes later and has not been seen or heard from since," homicide squad detective senior sergeant Katharine Venn told reporters. Venn said Wilga had planned to travel into remote areas of the state but also to the eastern coast, meaning that the search might need to cover a huge area. She said there was so far no evidence that a third party was involved in the disappearance, but that all lines of inquiry were being followed. Venn said that Wilga's behavior was "unexplained" and "concerning," adding that the investigation was "very broad." Wilga's phone has been switched off, with local media reports saying she had previously kept in regular contact with her family in Germany. A police spokeswoman confirmed that additional forces had been deployed to search the area where Wilga's van was found, which is in Western Australia's so-called Wheatbelt region.
Perth Now
10-07-2025
- Perth Now
Nationwide search for missing German backpacker
A massive search is underway amid concerns for a German backpacker, who has gone missing after stopping at a remote rural community. Carolina Wilga was last seen in the general store in the WA wheatbelt town of Beacon about noon on June 29, 310km northeast of Perth. The 26-year-old, who had been travelling and working in Australia for about two years, told friends she intended to explore regional WA. Police say Ms Wilga's disappearance is concerning, but don't yet believe she is the victim of a crime. "It's certainly unexplained her disappearance and we are taking it very seriously," Detective Senior Sergeant Katharine Venn told reporters on Thursday. "Her family are understandably distraught, very worried, as any of us would be with a young family member the other side of the world, missing in such unusual circumstances." An air search is underway around Beacon, which Det Snr Sgt Venn described as "very remote". "The actual town site is very small and when you travel out there are some very picturesque spots and some quite inhospitable, rocky terrain," she said. Investigators haven't ruled out that Ms Wilga could be on the road and unaware that authorities are searching for her. "She could be off grid, not have access to her phone, and she certainly had capacity in the vehicle she was travelling in to be self-sufficient for quite some time," Det Snr Sgt Venn said. Investigators are also exploring reports Ms Wilga could have headed to northern Australia or the east coast, "so therefore our search area is vast", Det Snr Sgt Venn said. "All jurisdictions are aware and there are alerts on her vehicle, and we're considering information from any state or territory. "There's lots of variables in terms of the terrain, how wild it can be and how dangerous it can be in parts of WA, availability of fuel." Ms Wilga is described as having a slim build, with frizzy or curly long, dark blonde hair and brown eyes, with several tattoos, including symbols on her left arm. She last had contact with friends on June 29 and had travelled through the towns of Toodyay and Dowerin, southwest of Beacon, earlier in the day. Ms Wilga's mother previously pleaded for anyone with information about her daughter to contact authorities. "Carolina is still sorely missed. If anyone has any information, please contact the police. Please keep your eyes open!!!", Katja Will said on a WA Police Facebook post. A Facebook page named 'Help Find Carolina Wilga' has been set up.
7NEWS
10-07-2025
- 7NEWS
Carolina Wilga: Search for missing German backpacker now Australia-wide amid ‘unexplained' disappearance
The search for a missing German backpacker in remote WA has gone national, with police investigating the 'unexplained' disappearance considering intel from across the country. On Thursday, WA Police released CCTV vision of Carolina Wilga visiting the general store in Beacon, a remote Wheatbelt town more than 300km northeast of the Perth, at about 12.10pm on June 29. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: CCTV of last-known sightings of missing backpacker. 'Carolina departed that area about five minutes later and has not been seen or heard from since,' Detective Senior Sergeant Katharine Venn. Wilga, 26, had travelled through Toodyay a day earlier — with police also releasing vision of her stopping at a convenience store on Stirling Tce, near Goomalling-Toodyay Rd, at about 4.30pm — and Dowerin. She was driving a distinctive black and silver 1995 Mitsubishi Delica van, with the WA registration 1HDS 330. 'We hope this (new vision) will cause a member of the public to recognise Carolina as somebody they've seen or jog their memory and provide us with something that may be relevant in our search for her,' Venn said. Friends and associates have told police she was open to travel throughout regional and remote WA, and may have planned to travel interstate to the east coast. 'Our search area is therefore vast,' Venn said, adding 'all jurisdictions are aware' of her disappearance. 'There are alerts on her vehicle and we are considering information from any state or territory in terms of a sighting or information related to her whereabouts.' Given the 11 days since her last contact, police said she may have made it 'a long way' from Beacon by now. 'There's lots of variables in terms of the terrain, how unwieldy it can be and how dangerous it can be in parts of WA, availability of fuel. There are so many different variables and that's why this is such a broad investigation,' Venn said. Aerial assets including helicopters and planes have taken to the sky over the immediate search area in Beacon. 'That certainly forms a significant part of our search effort,' Venn said. 'But we are also following up with leads across regional WA and across towns including Albany, Esperance, Margaret River. 'Every piece of info we're receiving is being treated seriously and followed up on.' Police said Wilga's van also made it possible for her to live off grid for some time. 'This is unexplained behaviour ... and we are taking it very seriously,' Venn said. 'But it is also possible that Carolina could be travelling in remote WA. 'She could be off grid, not have access to her phone and she certainly had capacity in the vehicle she was travelling in to be self sufficient for quite some time.' Police are in constant regular contact with Wilga's family in Germany. Her relatives are 'understandably distraught, very worried'. Wilga has been backpacking around Australia for the past two years, working most recently at regional mine sites in WA. She had also been staying at backpackers and hostels during her time in Perth. Police said the search is being treated as a missing persons investigation. 'There is no indication that there's any third party involvement in her disappearance but our minds are open to any line of inquiry or any information that people bring forward to us,' Venn said. The detective senior sergeant said it was 'not uncommon' for the homicide squad to join cases like this. 'We basically have the resources and the capacity to provide an entire dedicated investigative team to this one investigation,' she said. Wilga has brown eyes, a slim build and several tattoos 'including one which depicts symbols on her left arm'. 'Someone out there must have some vital information which can assist WA Police in bringing Carolina back to her family and friends,' Venn said. 'We encourage anyone with any information to come forward and contact police.' Anyone with information about her whereabouts should contact Crime Stoppers.
