Theatre tickets going cheap (oh no they’re not!)

IT was meant to be a gesture of charitable goodwill at Christmas as theatre bosses offered cheap tickets to their panto.

But show directors were shocked to discover a flaw in the booking system meant the offer could be applied to other shows planned for 2020.

By the time the error was discovered, hundreds of people had bought cutprice tickets for upcoming productions at Aberdeen’s Tivoli Theatre – leaving organisers facing financial ruin.

The blunder happened when a ‘one-off’ promotional code reducing prices for a panto version of The Little Mermaid to £5 was used for other bookings.

More than 200 people were able to order tickets for planned shows such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Jungle Book at less than half the advertised cost.

A furious spokesman for Aberdeen Panto posted online: ‘How sad that I have to write this but I’m very shocked to see that over 200 individual sets of people found a loophole in the code we set up for £5 tickets for The Little Mermaid and booked tickets for our other shows that gave them free tickets (Jack and the Beanstalk and Jungle Book).

‘Firstly, I’ll state the obvious and say they are all being cancelled and should you wish to turn up still you will be turned away. While I appreciate it was our error, as a small business this would destroy us financially.

‘The fact so many people took advantage of a code put out in good faith for one performance of The Little Mermaid only questions our future in Aberdeen and the fact that so many people would be so disloyal and unhonest [sic].

‘It’s really upset me. I’ve decided to cancel Jack and the Beanstalk next Easter with immediate effect in full.

‘Jungle Book will go ahead for all those who paid for tickets. We will make a decision in the new year if there is any future for us beyond The Jungle Book.

‘What a horrible way to end the year and after such an enjoyable two years working so hard to bring shows to Aberdeen.’

The mix-up caused outrage on social media yesterday.

Pamela Wilson said: ‘What a shame that you were taken advantage of. You are making great use of the Tivoli. Whoever you all are hang your head in shame. There are always others willing to spoil it.’

Sarah Anderson Christie added: ‘Plenty good, honest folks still about, so stay for them please.’

And Nicola Henderson said: ‘Don’t let all your hard work and your love of theatre be ruined by mindless greedy individuals.’