http://www.thisisdorset.net/display.var.1351776.0.producer_pulls_out_of_poole_pa...

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PLANS for this year's Poole panto are in tatters after long-standing producer Michael Rose has walked out following a row over ticketing charges, premium-rate box office numbers and changes to his contract.

The Bournemouth-based but internationally acclaimed producer regularly enjoys success in the West End and on Broadway but his annual panto at Poole has been a tradition for nearly two decades.

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But now he's turned his back on the theatre after an apparently irreconcilable row over this year's panto contract and increased ticketing charges that, Mr Rose says, will keep audiences away.

In a blunt statement, he said: "After a 20-year relationship between Michael Rose Ltd and Lighthouse, Poole, presenting Christmas entertainment to the local area, the relationship has broken down after a faliure to reach contractual terms for this year's Christmas pantomime."

The statement continued: "As a result of ticketing charges and premium-rate box office numbers being introduced to the public without consultation with the production company, Michael has decided it is time to move on."

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Speaking from his London office, Mr Rose stressed he was sorry that the relationship with Lighthouse had broken down but said last-minute contractual changes and additional charges for booking tickets were unacceptable.

"Elements within the contract were changed at the very last minute and these 0870 numbers are premium-rate calls that now have to be made to book tickets," he said.

"They have also introduced ticketing charges of three per cent for internet bookings and five per cent if you book over the telephone and it doesn't encourage people to go to the theatre.

[...]

Lighthouse chief executive Alistair Wilkinson said the breakdown had come during negotiations following the end of a three-year agreement with Michael Rose Ltd. "There's a gap over what we can reach an agreement on. Michael wanted changes that I wasn't in a position to offer," he said.

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Mr Wilkinson also rejected claims that the 0870 numbers were "premium rate", saying: "They are the same rate wherever you're calling from."
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Mr Wilkinson has responded to the online article:

Quote:


So it does charge a premium above a call to a 01/02 number which I presume it terminates on. Oh, and the theatre benefits in kind, something which is covert and to be expected of these sorts of people.