The Stage

Rip-off fees

Published Monday 3 September 2007 at 11:15

It comes as no surprise to read of the phenomenal growth in profits sustained by Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire of Ambassador Theatre Group.

This is, perhaps, because they have now found a way of not having to spend money on the upkeep of their theatres. You see, they have devised this ingenious system of slapping a £1 levy on the prices of their tickets, which they claim is towards a “restoration fund”. They don’t give their ticket buying public a choice, so to some people, it could appear to be a form of blackmail - pay the levy or don’t see the show. There was no question of voluntary contributions as an alternative. Money for these restorations could, of course, come from the cost of the highly devious and extortionate booking fees that have become such a rip-off.

Eventually people are going to get wise to the way they are being ripped off by the theatre companies, and they will stay away. Mr Panter and Ms Squire - take note.

John Osborne

Queensbury Arms

Queensbury Mews

Brighton