Complaints over ‘VIP’ night out at the cinema

IT WAS billed as a VIP film experience in an iconic Leeds studio but customers sporting Pink Ladies outfits had an unforgettable night for all the wrong reasons. And two weeks on from The Grease Movie Experience ,a number of them are still chasing organisers Two Guys Productions Limited for refunds. Promotional material had promised that they would be transported to Rydell High School in 1969, the setting of the much-loved musical.

But the pop-up cinema in a soundstage at Kirkstall’s Studio 81 left much to be desired, with complaints about the “naff paper cup of fizzy, warm wine” on arrival, disappointing live dance numbers and a film screening beset by technical problems.

Jason Rafferty, 41, is among those pursuing a refund after going to the first of five screenings on June 30 and July 1.

“I know you do these things on a budget but this was as if they had broken into the building,” he said. “It certainly wasn’t VIP in any way, shape or form.”

Answering the criticisms, the company said staff had responded swiftly to technical issues during the screening, offered refunds on food after power problems affected the catering and aimed to offer a fun experience for under £15.

Nick Green, of Two Guys, said they offered a “really good show” for a few pounds more than a standard cinema experience. “If you ask nine out of 10 customers, they would say the same thing,” he added.