Firm behind axed Christmas play offers refunds

The Madcap Children Theatre show has been cancelled

A production firm has issued an apology after cancelling its Christmas show - with ticket holders promised full refunds and compensation.

It comes after the Guernsey cast of A Christmas Carol issued a joint statement expressing concern tickets were still being sold and telling supporters not to purchase them.

The Madcap Children's Theatre two-hour production of the Dicken's classic was due to be performed at St Martin's Community Centre from 19-23 December.

Guernsey Police said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the show's cancellation.

'Deeply apologise'

Madcap Children's Theatre confirmed the show was cancelled, adding: "To all ticket holders, friends and fans of this classic story, I deeply apologise for letting you down on the productions delivery of this show."

It said "unforeseen and personal issues" had impacted the "production end" of the show, while thanking and apologising to the "wonderful cast" who worked to "keep the project alive".

The statement said: "These performers and creatives are some of the island's hardest working, most talented & kindest people I have had the privilege of working with.

"Although the spirit of Christmas will continue, we are sorry that we couldn't add out (sic) touch to it.

"A full refund, including further compensation for the inconvenience caused will go out to ticket holders and is being processed now."

'Relieved'

In an open letter the former cast members expressed concerns "theatre-goers would be left out of pocket" as the show would not go ahead.

Eventbrite took down the listing on 9 December.

A spokesman for the ticket platform said it had done so "temporarily" and "based on the reports we have received and out of an abundance of caution".

He said the company had reached out to the organisers, and "the next steps will be determined by their response".

Cast member Simon De La Rue, said his wife was among those seeking a refund after purchasing tickets for friends and family.

Ahead of the theatre company's statement being released, he said: "We are relieved the tickets are no longer on sale because it was becoming a concern people might go on buying tickets for an event we knew wasn't going to go ahead.

"Our hope now is that everyone who has bought tickets will get their money back."

Guernsey Police said it was aware of the situation: "An officer has been supporting the reporting person(s) in contacting EventBrite to have the event taken down.

"Wider inquiries into the matter are ongoing."