Comedy Bushfire Relief Show Tonight Cancelled As Sydney Opera House Shuts Down

A comedy benefit show scheduled at the Sydney Opera House tonight has been cancelled following the announcement that the iconic venue is now closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The show, which was put together to raise funds for the recent bushfire disaster, was to feature performances from Aussie favourites like Tim Minchin, Carl Barron and Kitty Flanagan, as well as US comic Arj Barker and The Simpsons legend, Harry Shearer.

"Due to the announcement by the Australian Government recommending against all non-essential organised gatherings of over 500 people, the Comedy Steps Up For Bushfire Relief gala at Sydney Opera House on Monday 16 March will not proceed," a statement issued by Sydney Opera House today reads.

All ticketholders will receive a full refund from point of purchase, including booking and payment processing fees.

The news comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced last week that Government will advise against mass gatherings of over 500 people from today. Events including Vivid Sydney and Record Store Day were called off over the weekend.

For more information about how COVID-19 is impacting the music industry, follow the link here.