The Advertising Standards Authority has said it is clamping down on misleading and hidden costs after ruling against four theatre ticket websites.
The perpetrators of misleading ticket prices included the AKA website for Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy play, A Chorus of Disapproval at the Harold Pinter theatre in London. Indeed there was a chorus of disapproval from the advertising watchdog which stated that websites must be clear about booking fees up front.
A spokesperson from the AKA Group said: “Moving forward we will ensure that the first references to pricing for a performance are immediately qualified with the amount of any associated transaction fee or charges.”
The Ambassadors Theatre Group, owners of mutliple theatre venues in London, was also found guilty of misleading ticket prices.
The Advertising Standards Authority’s Chief Executive Guy Parker said: “These pricing practices are simply not fair. They draw us in on a false promise. Our rulings send a clear signal to advertisers: sort out your pricing so we all get a fair deal.”
Here at Shows in London, ticket pricing is kept as transparent as possible, with the face value of any tickets displayed alongside the final selling price at the start, so that customers can see the value of any booking fees. However, in many cases, the customer does not pay any booking fees and would in fact make a saving as the final selling price is cheaper than the face value due to the fantastic discounts and deals on offer.
Talking about a fair deal, at Shows in London we have a special offer on Wicked tickets available from March 2013 at no booking fee. In the spirit of clear pricing information and clarity, there is a £2 transaction fee per booking. So if there are 6 of you going that is 33p each or if there are just two of you that’s £1 each, if you are going dutch. For larger parties, there are amazing group discounts for 10 or more tickets. Just call one of our friendly team of experts on 0871 976 976 7 for further information on group rates.
Wicked is a spectacular musical suitable for all ages. The show has been dazzling London audiences since 2006 with amazing vivid costumes, spectacular special effects, fantastic sets and incredible songs. The show is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, in the time before Dorothy actually arrived in the land of Oz. It tells the story of how Elphaba and Galinda met as two young sorcery students whose decisions will ultimately see them fulfilling their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. The pair embark on a magical journey as the confident, popular Galinda and the shy, introverted but likeable green-skinned Elphaba. The show has an edgy feel as it explores the girls’ relationship through their politics, ambition and love rivalry, yet unexpectedly culminates in a friendship that defies expectations.
The musical in London has a brilliant score and features some amazing theatre classics including; For Good, No One Mourns The Wicked and the show-stopping Defying Gravity.
Buy your tickets now and pay no booking fee. In additional to this great offer, there are some fantastic “free meal” deals which start from £52.50, so by purchasing your ticket, you can enjoy a free pre-theatre dinner. There is even a choice in the restaurant you can dine at – both just a short walk away from the Apollo Victoria theatre where Wicked is playing.
B bar – 2 course meal
Serving mouth watering treats such as homemade honeycomb ice-cream and their signature chargrilled B bar burger, as well as an extensive cocktail list, B bar is the perfect restaurant for an informal meal with a great atmosphere.
Old Masters – 2 course meal
The Old Masters is the perfect place to go for a delicious meal pre- or post-theatre show. Set within the luxurious 4-star Rubens Hotel, the restaurant offers a traditional carvery with fresh roasts and is well known for its Aberdeen Angus beef selected from the finest Scottish herds.
