Punters who forked out ‘good money’ to watch comedian Michael McIntyre’s show at the New Theatre last night were disappointed that it was cancelled at such late notice.
One customer, who had booked tickets to the TV funnyman's Oxford gig to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary, questioned why the cancellation was only announced as the comedian was due to go on stage.
He said theatre staff announced the cancellation, rather than Mr McIntyre himself.
“Some people were accepting of it, but, equally, Al Murray’s [gig in Reading] went ahead,” he said.
“Surely we all need some light relief in such sad times; and in the cost of living crisis, when people have spent good money to travel to Oxford.”
The couple paid £50 for a babysitter in addition to the cost of the tickets.
Last night, a minute before the performance was due to start, the New Theatre posted a statement on its Facebook page saying Mr McIntyre and 'his team' felt the show should be rescheduled ‘as a mark of respect’.
The theatre said: “We respect this decision, and will work together to contact all ticketholders as soon as possible with news of a new date.”
The decision won plaudits online. One woman said she ‘totally agreed’ and ‘felt it was [the] right thing to do’.
Another said: “Was totally understandable and the right decision to take and Oxford was an eerie place as we all left.”
A third comedy fan wrote: “So pleased it was cancelled. How could we laugh at this time? Well done to Michael and management. Respect.”
Customers with tickets for the cancelled gig will be contacted in the 'next few days with next steps', the theatre said.
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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.
To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk
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