Seating problems and bar queues were no joke at hall’s comedy night
ORGANISERS of a gig compered by comedian Johnny Vegas have apologised to audience members after they experienced problems.
Triple-booked and crammed-in seats and long waits for drinks were among issues at the Live at Melbourne Hall event.
The Just The Tonic evening was one of two nights of comedy, both part of the first Live at Melbourne Hall series of events.
Johnny Vegas compered the event last Sunday, which also featured The Raymond and Mr
Timpkins Revue, Scott Bennett and Nina Gilligan.
One of those present said: “It started at least 15 minutes late, not such a big deal, but my friend, who was also there, said his seat was triplebooked.
“The queues for the stalls selling booze were very long, like half-anhour.
“The setting, though, was very pleasant and the actual comedy was great. Johnny Vegas said it was the loveliest venue he’d ever played.”
Organisers have said that they have changed the seating allocation and booking system and reduced the venue’s capacity to address issues.
An e-mail sent after the event to those who attended said: “When we first planned these nights we had a seating plan drawn up to sit within a tent structure (requiring poles to keep it up) with certain seats. We decided early in the week before to provide allocated seating and attempted to sit people in nearby groups that they knew.
“Friday and Saturday went without a hitch but the Sunday had issues caused by the tent, pole and speaker positions, meaning seats were not being exactly as those we planned around. This caused seating issues.
“On the day of the event we had to redo the whole allocation and the time pressure led to mistakes.
“Our events in 2021 were restricted by Covid so we never really tested the capacity of the space.
“This year’s issue was that the tent only arrived in the UK in the week before the event, so we had to adjust to it. We now know the set up properly.”
For more information on upcoming events at Melboure Hall, go to melbournehall.com/events/