BOSSES at Ipswich's Regent theatre have today denied pulling the wool over the eyes of pantomime customers after it was announced Letitia Dean would not appear in a performance of the show.
BOSSES at Ipswich's Regent theatre have today denied pulling the wool over the eyes of pantomime customers after it was announced Letitia Dean would not appear in a performance of the show.
Answering criticisms, theatre manager Hazel Clover said the Cinderella production team had not known all along that the Strictly Come Dancing star would not be able to perform as the Fairy Godmother due to commitments with the hit dance show.
She said: “We have not pulled the wool over the eyes of our customers. We have done everything we can to retain their goodwill and trust.
“We genuinely did not know that Letitia would be required to take part in the show's final until earlier this week. “Letitia did not know either what her obligations would be.”
Panto customer Linda Wilce has written to the Regent and Evening Star expressing her disappointment that Miss Dean had pulled out off the show on December 22.
Mrs Wilce said: “This must have always been arranged whether she won or lost. The Regent just think it is ok to give money back or change the day. I have paid £130 for tickets and can't change my day as relatives coming from a distance away. I do not want money back as this will disappoint three children.
“This is something that should have been pointed out at the time of purchase not a week before the show.”
Miss Clover said she would be contacting Mrs Wilce to apologise.
She said a significant number of customers had taken up the theatre's offer to change their dates.
Miss Clover added: “Tickets went on sale before it was announced Letitia would be in Strictly Come Dancing. By offering customers the chance to change their dates we are also allowing fans of Letitia Dean to see her in the Strictly Come Dancing final. We have been as upfront as possible with our customers.”
If you had tickets booked for December 22 and would like to exchange them call the Regent Box office on 01473 433100.
Do you agree with Mrs Wilce? Are you a fan of Letitia Dean? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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