Hundreds left furious as Wales Millennium Centre

THEATREGOERS were left furious after the Wales Millennium Centre told them there would be no refunds if they could not get to yesterday’s Sunset Boulevard shows.

Hundreds left messages on Facebook asking for their money back because they were unable to attend because of snow.

But the Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) told customers: “We only issue refunds for shows which are cancelled.”

Rachel Rowlands, from Nelson in Caerphilly, had tickets for performances in the week. She rescheduled them for last night hoping the weather would improve. But it got worse.

Changing her tickets for the weekend meant she paid another £3 per ticket. That took them from £18 to £21.

The 28-year-old was “disgusted” by the centre’s response.

“I’m a loyal customer and I just do not think they are treating people very well,” she said.

“I have texted friends in Cardiff to say, ‘If you can get there just have my tickets.’ But no one can go.

“I think the Millennium Centre holds 1,500 people, so the place will be half empty.

“You can see from the strength of the comments people are really angry. Tickets are expensive and we buy them in good faith.

“They need to consider these are exceptional circumstances. If people could get there they would.”

The capital’s New Theatre and St David’s Hall have cancelled shows because of the weather.

“However, the Millennium Centre has decided to run both shows of Sunset Boulevard rather than offering refunds,” Rebecca Cockeram said.

“They have cancelled their free Saturday event, though, citing adverse weather conditions as the reason.

“How is it too dangerous for the free event, but not too dangerous for the paid event that will lose them money?

“Now they been inundated with tweets, emails and Facebook comments and they’re not addressing the comments.

“The few that have been answered seem to say, ‘No refund because the show’s not cancelled.’”

On Facebook Michelle MacClay called the WMC’s position “ridiculous”.

“Going against advice from the authorities,” she said. “Many just cannot get there in these unprecedented circumstances.”