Nursing my disgust at baby's £8.50 seat
I am disgusted to learn that this mother had to book two seats at £8.50 each. One for baby and one for mother.
The basic facts are – mother breast feeding unable to leave her baby at home; her child, aged eight, performing; she was told by box office 'That's how it is'.
This is quite outrageous. A child of this age could not even sit up, let alone occupy this seat. This incident needs sorting. If mothers with babies must have two seats, I suggest at least make one free of charge.
The health and safety rules certainly need updating, hopefully including compassionate consideration and a fair deal to this section of our community.
I felt so indignant and disgusted on behalf of this lady. I could only sympathise with her.
E Bartl (Mrs), Lichfield.
Adrian Jackson, Artistic & Executive Director, Lichfield Garrick, replies:
"To respect other audience members, we don't generally admit babes in arms to the auditorium, but we do make an exception for some children's shows.
"However, due to strict fire regulations that help to keep our customers safe, babes-in-arms and young children must all have a ticketed seat.
"All family shows at the Garrick, such as our pantomime, carry reduced price tickets for children and further reductions for babes-in-arms.
"When organisations hire the Garrick it's their responsibility to set their ticket prices. On this occasion, the hirer did not offer a babe-in-arms price and as such, the box office team had no choice but to sell the ticket at full price.
"We work hard to welcome all ages into the theatre and offer a range of pricing, including discounted rates for young people.
"From our customers feedback, we know this is encouraging more and more people to enjoy the tremendous value the Garrick offers to the community."
The Mercury's mailbag has been full with comments about the Lichfield Garrick.
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