Ticketing

Rock band Oasis has said it will not use dynamic pricing when tickets go on sale for the US leg of its tour following widespread backlash over the cost of tickets.

The BBC reports that in a statement announcing dates in the US, Canada and Mexico, the group's managers said they wanted to "avoid a repeat of the issues" faced by fans in the UK and Ireland.

When the band's UK dates went on sale, some fans were charged more than £350 for tickets with an initial value of £150.

The UK's competition regulator has launched an investigation into whether Ticketmaster breached consumer protection law.

"It is widely accepted that dynamic pricing remains a useful tool to combat ticket touting and keep prices for a significant proportion of fans lower than the market rate and thus more affordable," the statement issued by the group's managers said.

"But, when unprecedented ticket demand (where the entire tour could be sold many times over at the moment tickets go on sale) is combined with technology that cannot cope with that demand, it becomes less effective and can lead to an unacceptable experience for fans."

Norwich Theatre is offering a creative programme for children that will be accessible on a 'pay what you can' basis.

Aimed at children aged seven to 15, the scheme, which runs during the October half-term, will include a range of activities such as dance workshops and acting classes in the theatre's two studios.

"We believe that creative experiences should be available to all," said Sam Beal, Creative Engagement Project Manager.

"The arts enrich lives, inspire creativity, and bring us together as a community. We want everyone, regardless of their financial situation, to have the opportunity to enjoy these enriching experiences.

"We hope this will make it easier for every family to experience the joy of creativity together this half term."

Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester has cancelled all performances of its production of A Midsummer Night's Dream after “a number of issues”.

Due to run from 12 September to 12 October, the production, set in the “vibrant tapestry of Manchester’s contemporary rave scene”, was initially postponed due to “ongoing technical reasons”.

Manchester Evening News also reported that an injury to a cast member contributed to the decision.

In an email to ticket holders offering them a refund, the Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation said, "There have been a number of issues with the production.

"Every effort was made to get the show on. We apologise to all customers who had bought tickets and will issue immediate refunds."
 

Ipswich Borough Council has announced plans for a £3.45m renovation of the city’s Regent Theatre to be completed by December 2025.

If approved, the project would be financed by a 20p restoration levy added to tickets, to be introduced from 5 August.

The renovation will include the installation of a lift, improvements to accessibility, larger bars and foyer areas, and updates to the canopy over the front doors.

It is the second phase of improvement works, the first part of which was completed last year with changes made to car parks, dressing rooms, backstage areas, and catering facilities.

A report set to be presented to the council's executive committee on 16 July said the project "will ensure that the Regent Theatre remains at the forefront of Ipswich’s visitor economy for many years to come."

Music Venue Trust (MVT) has launched a new campaign calling on musicians to support grassroots music venues.

'The Artist Pledge' is asking for artists to make a commitment to give back to small venues at a point in their careers when they are headlining arenas.

Toni Coe-Brooker at MVT said the campaign is “asking artists today to stand with all of us in the grassroots sector as a show of solidarity".

He added it was important for everyone working with artists – managers, agents, promoters and venues – "to find a way to send financial support back down the pipeline”.

More than 45 artists have so far pledged support, including Frank Turner, snake eyes, The Luka State, Sister, Red Rum Club and Vigilantes.

MVT said that in 2023, 16% of the UK’s grassroots music venues closed or ceased to programme new music due to financial issues such as energy costs, rent and rates.

The charity wants every concert ticket sold at arena and stadium level to contain a levy to provide financial support to the grassroots sector.

Artists can sign the pledge at www.musicvenuetrust.com/the-artist-pledge.