Production Company Apologizes and Offers Refunds for Canceled Christmas Show

A theatrical production company has issued an apology following the cancellation of its Christmas performance, assuring ticket holders of full refunds and additional compensation. This announcement follows a joint statement from the Guernsey cast of A Christmas Carol, which voiced apprehension regarding the continued sale of tickets and advised supporters against purchasing them. The two-hour production of the Dickens classic by Madcap Children’s Theatre was originally scheduled to run at St Martin’s Community Centre from December 19 to 23. Guernsey Police stated that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the show’s cancellation is underway. Madcap Children’s Theatre confirmed the show’s cancellation, adding the statement: “To all ticket holders, friends and fans of this classic story, I deeply apologise for letting you down on the productions delivery of this show.” The company attributed the impact on the “production end” of the show to “unforeseen and personal issues,” and also extended thanks and apologies to the “wonderful cast” who endeavored to “keep the project alive.” The statement included: “These performers and creatives are some of the island’s hardest working, most talented & kindest people I have had the privilege of working with.” It further noted: “Although the spirit of Christmas will continue, we are sorry that we couldn’t add out (sic) touch to it.” It was also announced that “A full refund, including further compensation for the inconvenience caused will go out to ticket holders and is being processed now.” Separately, an open letter from the former cast members voiced concerns that “theatre-goers would be left out of pocket” because the show would not proceed. Eventbrite removed the event listing on December 9. A spokesperson for the ticketing platform stated that the listing was taken down “temporarily” and “based on the reports we have received and out of an abundance of caution.” The spokesperson added that the company had contacted the organizers, and “the next steps will be determined by their response.” Cast member Simon De La Rue indicated that his wife was among those requesting a refund, having bought tickets for friends and family. Before the theatre company’s statement was released, he remarked: “We are relieved the tickets are no longer on sale because it was becoming a concern people might go on buying tickets for an event we knew wasn’t going to go ahead. “Our hope now is that everyone who has bought tickets will get their money back.” Guernsey Police confirmed its awareness of the situation, stating: “An officer has been supporting the reporting person(s) in contacting EventBrite to have the event taken down. “Wider inquiries into the matter are ongoing.”