Express & Star

Theatre-goers upset as Wolverhampton Grand refuses bad weather refunds

Theatre-goers say they have been left disappointed at the Grand Theatre's refund policy after they were unable to make a show which went ahead despite the snow.

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Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in Lichfield Street

They say they have lost hundreds of pounds after being stopped going to see Hairspray because of the bad weather conditions on March 2.

But the theatre says because the cast, crew and support staff made the show a 'reasonable assumption' was made audience members could too.

As the scheduled performance went ahead, the theatre will not be offering refunds or exchange tickets.

Stephen Gutteridge, aged 60, said he was unable to move the car from his drive in Trinity Road in Stourbridge to get to the show.

He had purchased tickets for his wife and son in November, spending £150.

He said: "It is disappointing because all the emergency services and Met Office were saying only go out in an emergency.

"We decided to stay put and hoped we would get tickets for a future event."

Katie Foster, 27, from Pelsall, spent almost £100 on two tickets for herself and husband David.

But she could not get a train to Wolverhampton, and when she tried for a taxi she was told she could not be picked up.

She said: "I think its absolutely disgusting."

A spokesman for the Grand Theatre said: "We are sorry that some of our patrons felt that they could not attend the performance of Hairspray.

"After continuing to monitor the weather and consulting with our key partners in the city throughout the day, we concluded that the performance would go ahead as scheduled.

"The cast, crew and support staff all made it to the theatre, so a reasonable assumption was made that the audience would also be able to make it.

"Indeed over 3000 people visited the Grand Theatre during this period.

"As this scheduled performance went ahead, we would not refund or exchange tickets.

"While we appreciate that this is disappointing, as per our terms and conditions at the point of sale and any legal obligation, we would only offer a refund if the performance had been cancelled."

Hairspray was at the theatre from February 26 to March 3.