The Perils Of Booking Theatre Tickets Online

My voice has just about recovered from screaming in frustration after being ‘timed out ‘several times whilst trying to make on-line bookings for the new season in Sheffield. Actually this is unusual: Sheffield has one of the better on-line systems and their charges are fair. Their system was probably overwhelmed as customers, not unreasonably, tried to book for Othello to catch a glimpse of Dominic West and Clarke Peters from TV hit – The Wire.
 
But they caught me at the end of a bad week. I got so fed up with the Manchester International Festival’s on-line booking system repeatedly telling me that my password and customer ID didn’t match their records that I cancelled my subscription. I accept that on-line booking is necessary for shows that are out of town but it seems ridiculous that it is the only option for some local Manchester venues.
 
But the Apollo now opens its box office only when there is a show on and as I’m usually at the theatre at that time my options are limited. And it’s so sodding expensive! The additional charges imposed are ridiculous and can’t be justified on practical grounds. I recall booking for a show on a date that was so close that picking the tickets up at the box office was the only option but I was still charged for postage.
 
So basically I give up. If I can’t buy tickets for Manchester shows at the box office I’m not going to bother. This is annoying. I’d like to see P J Harvey and Tori Amos as they performing at the Apollo but I’d rather give them a miss than feel like a sucker.
 
But it shouldn’t be like this. We shouldn’t feel ripped – off or worn out just by trying to buy a ticket. It spoils the fun of the night out. It’s not like I’m trying to do something complex – like buy a train ticket!
 
– Dave Cunningham