The Stage

When the levy breaks

Published Monday 17 September 2007 at 10:25

While I agree wholeheartedly with John Osborne that there is something deeply unpleasant about ATG’s compulsory ‘restoration levy’ supplement on published ticket prices, there has to be a more satisfactory and fairer way of raising public contributions - I think he is inaccurate in saying there is no question of a voluntary alternative.

I made a donation when the Brighton Theatre Royal appeal was launched a couple of years ago. Since then, my name seems to pop up on the box office computer whenever I book tickets and I am excused the levy.

That said, however, I do not buy tickets for the Theatre Royal as often as I might like, because of ATG’s policy on concessions - £2 off a £27 top price seat (virtually the entire stalls and first circle) is more a token gesture than an incentive. With a little forward planning, I can take the train from Brighton to Waterloo East, see a matinee performance during the Travelex season at the National Theatre, have a drink in the interval and return home having had a good day out and having spent no more than it would have cost me just for the ticket at the Theatre Royal. Would ATG not rather have £18, say, from me twice a month than £25 just once a month?

Barry Sheppard

Grafton Street

Brighton