Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to want to complain to the theatre

144 replies

JackieLou · 01/08/2019 12:05

Last week I took my almost two year old son to see a stage version of a popular tv show.
The tickets cost over £40 and the show was less than an hour long.
Add on train travel, refreshments etc and it was a pricey morning out.
Once inside the theatre there was a stall positioned slightly to the side of the entrance selling extortionately priced themed tat- flashing wands, sticker books etc
I managed to avoid my son noticing this as it was out of our direct walking path and we found our seats and enjoyed watching the show.
When we came out of the theatre, two members of staff were stood in the middle of the doorway, with show themed helium balloons - you couldn’t avoid them and they had no price visible.
As we approached, I asked and The balloons were £8 each!!
Eight quid for a balloon!
£8!!!!!
Son obviously wanted one, I couldn’t afford it - or justify it even if I could!
He is one - he cried, I felt bloody awful and it added a real amount mum guilt on to an already expensive day ! Especially when so many other parents had purchased them.
AIBU to complain to the theatre that the staff should not have been stood where they were? Or at the very least have a sign saying how much!
Son is my first child so I’m new to the expense of days out!
The pressure sale approach seems unfair on parents who have already paid so much for tickets!

OP posts:
Kaddm · 01/08/2019 12:40

Lots of attraction type days out involve exiting through a gift shop (no choice). The shit you experienced is commonplace and although I don’t think it’s unreasonable for you to complain, absolutely nothing will change and this problem will carry on throughout life. Better to try and deal with it from your end with your ds/your feelings because companies are not going to stop selling like this.

IAskTooManyQuestions · 01/08/2019 12:40

You havent asked for this opinion, but I think you're bonkers taking a less than 20 year old and spending that level of money . Sorry. But Shock It's not as if he'll remember it.

RoLaren · 01/08/2019 12:43

We went to ITNG Live - crazily expensive but we've been before so knew what to expect. Sadly it is a money-making exercise for them, a joy for my boys, and a big stress for me!

Doyoumind · 01/08/2019 12:43

I knew this would be ITNG.

I never stood for being guilt tripped and shamed because I wouldn't buy something for my DC.

They are a primarily a business. They are about making money just as much as they are about entertaining kids. By all means complain but you'll get an impersonal response trying to make out they care and value your opinion but they won't change anything.

Your child won't remember not getting a balloon and won't be scarred by it.

CaMePlaitPas · 01/08/2019 12:46

I'm shocked you went in the first place, I personally couldn't justify the expense, particularly with a child under 3 who's not going to remember it.

As you've said, you understand that they want to up-sell and get as much from their customers as they can. The fact that people were buying these balloons at £8 would suggest they've got their pricing right so why would the fix something that ain't broke? I think really the only grounds you have to complain would be if the balloon sellers and the crowds they attracted were blocking a fire escape, then it would be a health and safety concern.

Otherwise no, you can't complain about the prices - don't be that person.

ElPontifico · 01/08/2019 12:46

YANBU - I think it is morally wrong for a venue to do this when a show is aimed at very young kids. I don't think you would be wrong to complain, and to point out to the theatre that this policy means that you will not want to use their venue in the future and will be advising your friends with young children to avoid it too. That's just my personal opinion, and I appreciate that others may disagree.

It's really sad that your DS was so upset, but hopefully his age will mean that he got over it quickly and isn't dwelling on it.

If it's any consolation, then I read in one parenting book that a kid who has never heard the words, "No, sorry, we can't afford it," is a deprived child. Because they've had no chance to learn how the world works.

Doyoumind · 01/08/2019 12:47

Was it actually in a theatre though or that big inflatable?

user1493413286 · 01/08/2019 12:47

I do feel your pain: I saw a show like that (possibly the same one) and the tickets were expensive enough without paying ridiculous money for something that looked like it was from the pound shop.

swingofthings · 01/08/2019 12:47

I seriously don't get 'mum guilt' over saying no to something and never have done
That. What has happened is just part of growing up and parenting. Why are you putting your wanting to avoid your responsibility as a parent into someone else?

What happens when your 17yo goes and look for his first very used car and it's right next to the new garage and he starts crying because he wants the overpriced mini? Are you going to blame the dealership for establishing itself next to the used car dealership?

Disappointing our kids with the 'sorry but you can't have it' is part of life and the earlier they learn they need to appreciate what they got and accept you can't have it all in life, the better. He'll thank you later in life for teaching him a valuable lesson in life.

BlipBipel · 01/08/2019 12:55

Ha! I knew it was ITNG as soon as I read the OP. 🤣

You could complain but tbh I think you'd be wasting your time. They make money on the extras and tat.

When he's older he won't remember the balloon. He'll remember the characters and excitement.

I know different kids, different personalities and all that and it took you by surprise but what works for us is making it clear before hand that we are not buying anything there (and always sticking to it) and avoiding the tat as much as possible. We've had the odd whinge but nothing much and nothing now they are older.

Our local theatre has now banned anyone taking in any food or drink, you're not even allowed a bottle of water. I understand people bringing their own reduces profits but a tiny bottle of water there costs £2 And you queue for at least 30mins for one. We'll easily go through 2 or 3 of those each during a performance!

Kitsandkids · 01/08/2019 12:55

I went to ITNG recently with my 2 year old. We had the same with the balloon sellers by the door. Fortunately my friend had been the day before and told me how much the balloons were so I marched mine out quickly before she could really take in that they were for sale! You do need to get over the guilt though. My older kids have just about learned that if they ask for things when out and about I’ll generally say no but if I’m happy to get them something I’ll ask them if they want it and then they end up with something. I did get my toddler a t shirt at ITNG because I like getting them t shirts to remind them of days out.

ShatnersWig · 01/08/2019 12:56

I just re-read your OP and the balloons were themed. In which case, it's almost certainly the case that the production company make it part of the deal that the theatre staff flog these balloons and that the production company set the price to be charged. The theatre will only retain a percentage of that merchandise too, probably again around 20%. The theatre is probably perfectly embarrassed to have to charge £8 for a balloon which may well be why they don't purposely have a price on them.

Wingedharpy · 01/08/2019 12:57

Turn this on it's head OP.
By not buying one, you and your son have just done a little bit to help save the planet.
No guilt necessary.

Caramellow · 01/08/2019 12:58

We'll easily go through 2 or 3 of those each during a performance!

Are you seeing the entire Ring Cycle? How long are these performances?

ShatnersWig · 01/08/2019 13:00

ElPontifico Repeat, it will NOT be the policy of the venue but the production company for ITNG.

Eustasiavye · 01/08/2019 13:00

It's everywhere.
I've just returned from a trip to Disneyland and the prices of the merchandise were I watering.
You can buy Disney themed stuff in Primark for a fraction of the cost.

Clangus00 · 01/08/2019 13:01

I think you need to get a bit of a grip. You didn’t want to pay £8 for a balloon, so you didn’t. What’s the issue?
Disney on ice charge £10 for theirs (also right outside the doors). You either buy them or you don’t.

lottiegarbanzo · 01/08/2019 13:02

I know what you mean but it is standard.

Now you know, you can be better prepared next time. (e.g. buy a flashing wand / sword thing more cheaply elsewhere e.g. supermarket and take that with you, so he has the 'thing' already and can focus on that). Likewise with sweets and drinks.

For the balloons you need speed and distraction. Your rookie mistake was giving them your attention.

PantsyMcPantsface · 01/08/2019 13:03

Wait till the horror and extortion that is the Paw Patrol Live crapfest.

I'm still traumatised now by the cheerleading chickens, and Skye on a stick... and the merchandising stall.

TSSDNCOP · 01/08/2019 13:05

Wherever you go with a child be it the supermarket, the beach, the park or coming out of school in the summer there will be constant pressures to relieve you of cash. This theatre is absolutely no different. You can’t complain to them all. But it’s useful to have a diversion tactic ready.

Wendalicious · 01/08/2019 13:06

This was a nightmare for us for years- zoo membership- exit through gift shop! Go to Sainsbury’s and stuff near the checkout, you will be the bad guy many times sorry to say- children have no understanding of how much a day out/tickets cost xx

notacooldad · 01/08/2019 13:06

When he's older he won't remember the balloon. He'll remember the characters and excitement.
The kid is one!

I joke with mine that I should have kept them indoors until they were 8 as they cant remember a fraction of things they've done in the early years, never mind before their second birthday.
I think at that your child's age he would have been just as happy sat on a swing in the park or in the shallow end of the small pool splashing! No ' mum guilt' and saved a fortune!

Mia1415 · 01/08/2019 13:08

Sorry but YABU. This is the norm unfortunately and I wouldn't bother complaining to the theatre.

Don't ever go and see Disney on Ice. You'll be in for a bigger shock.

MerlinsScarf · 01/08/2019 13:13

I don't think ITNG was great value for money compared to other shows we've seen, and heavy on the pricey merchandise. Peppa Pig Live was actually less over the top when we went! We bring a themed toy from home, or order something like a sticker book for them to look at in the cafe before or afterwards, and say the merchandise is for children who don't have anything with them Blush (not foolproof but it helps).

Panicmode1 · 01/08/2019 13:17

Don't every go to the Harry Potter world thingy - you can't move for additional purchasing opportunities!

We have four children and going anywhere costs a bomb so I never buy any 'extras', never have done and they know not to ask - if we DO buy things, then it's a treat.....as your son is so little, I expect he forgot about the balloon within about 15 seconds, so just get used to saying no, and focus on the enjoyment of the show/film/play etc - complaining to the theatre won't do anything!

Swipe left for the next trending thread