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Why So Secret, Secret Cinema?

Published Fri, 25 Jul 2014 20:40:16 -0500

Chris Thompson writes,

With just hours to go before last night's debut performance/screening of Back To The Future, Secret Cinema cancelled their long-anticipated event without any warning or explanation. There was very little information offered at the time, nor specifics on what those affected could do; there was just a message that further information would be available at 11am today.

They issued a follow-up statement this morning saying ticket-holders could exchange their tickets from last night for shows between August 14 and 31 or get a full refund, but this still didn't address the countless people who had gone to extra expense booking travel, accommodation, special outfits, and time off work for the night – nor the reason for this last-minute snafu.

While it's normal for cancellations to occur and for plans to fall through with any production, it rarely happens at such short notice and without prior warning – especially after the lengthy lead-in time this show has had. A follow-up email at 3pm this afternoon confirmed tonight's performance has also been cancelled, but still without specific details as to why.

There's a lot riding on this show as it's not only Secret Cinema's most ambitious production to date, but it's also heralds their plans to go global in the new year … As such there's a lot of eyes on the company and how they deal with the obvious fall-out a last-minute cancellation like this can bring.

What this means for Secret Cinema, the future of the show, and all their disappointed fans remains to be seen. It's a tragic situation as Secret Cinema does genuinely offer a great, fun night out. I sincerely hope these issues are sorted soon, so people can reschedule tickets and experience the magic of Hill Valley for themselves.

I'm looking forward to my own trip Back To The Future, and will share the results once they're in. Here's the latest statement from Secret Cinema regarding this debacle … Those affected are encouraged to contact them directly on info@secretcinema.org.

To all our audience,

Unfortunately we have no choice but to cancel tonight's performance.

Secret Cinema has been running safe arts events for 10 years and on this occasion we have come across a number of difficult issues.

As you can imagine we are hugely disappointed and share the immense frustration you are all feeling.

The site is looking spectacular and we are working around the clock to ensure that all issues are ironed out as soon as possible in order to give ticket holders an amazing night. We would like to offer you tickets to another date. Should you not be able to attend you will receive a full refund for tonight's ticket.

To reschedule your tickets or to get a full refund, please contact See Tickets directly with your order number to the following email address secretcinema@seetickets.com

– Indicate the date you would like to swap your tickets to.

– You will receive an email confirmation as soon as possible to confirm the transfer with your new tickets.

Again, we apologise for the inconvenience, and appreciate your support. We will be in touch with news as soon as this is possible and if you have any queries or concerns, please let us know on info@secretcinema.org.

ALTERNATIVE SHOW DATES

14th August

15th August

16th August

17th August

21st August

22nd August

23rd August

24th August

28th August

29th August

30th August

31st August

It seems cancelled Secret Cinema tickets may not be for naught! Several places in London are offering to look after the people put out by this last-minute flounder – most notably Rufus Hound, who posted an offer on his blog for free tickets to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels tonight!

There are also offers from Herman ze German, Madame Tussauds, Club de Fromage, and more.

And it gives you an excuse to take a peek at another time travelling comedy…

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3penrWylEk[/youtube]

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