Live Live Cinema: Carnival of Souls was cancelled at 1pm yesterday after only 65 tickets had sold for the two Regent Theatre performances next month, festival director Alec Wheeler said.
"A tremendous amount of work and resources goes into presenting a show of this scale, so it is a disappointment for all involved when, despite best efforts, the event doesn't come to fruition. [But] after six weeks of being on sale to the public, less than 100 tickets had been sold," she said.
"In addition to the risk of financial loss, the festival also had to consider the integrity of the show. A hundred people in a venue that can accommodate 1600 would not have made for a rewarding experience for either the audience or the artists.
"It's unfortunate that Otago audiences won't have the opportunity to experience it first-hand. Carnival of Souls is a fantastically innovative, inspired and entertaining production.
"It's a poignant reminder to those who tend to purchase tickets at the last moment that, in doing so, they may end up facing disappointment; either through cancellation or sold-out performances."
Despite the setback, Ms Wheeler was upbeat about ticket sales.
"Most of the other shows are selling really well. We're averaging more than 100 tickets sales a day. More than 500 tickets have sold for the Vienna Boys' Choir, over 400 have sold for Rita and Douglas and Billy Bragg has nearly sold out."
Otago Daily Times subscribers who took advantage of a 25% ticket discount offer would receive a full refund and be given complimentary tickets to another show on the same night, ODT commercial manager Matthew Holdridge said yesterday.
The winners of an ODT competition would be offered tickets to see another festival show of their choice, subject to availability, Mr Holdridge said.
Refunds are available at point of sale, while online buyers can email support@ticketdirect.co.nz for a refund.
The arts festival starts on October 5.
