THE company behind Secret Cinema has apologised to ticket holders for the last-minute cancellation of its opening weekend in Croydon.
In a statement released this afternoon, Future Cinema said it was "sincerely sorry" for calling off last night's screening an hour before it was due to start.
It blamed the decision on "unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control" relating to the building - Delta Point, in Wellesley Road - where it was due to be held.
The company mentioned nothing of the police objection to its licensing application which the Advertiser understands was the cause of the problem.
It's entire opening weekend has now been cancelled, though the company says it is "working very closely with all local authorities" to resolve the issue and launch the production "as soon as possible".
People with tickets are understood to have been offered a film screening elsewhere in London on Saturday.
Irate customers, some of whom had travelled large distances after paying around £50 for a ticket, were not satisfied with the explanation.
John Clement and five friends were due to attend last night's screening.
He said: "All they are offering as a way of saying sorry is a bog standard secret film screening tomorrow night in London.
"It's not good enough. We still have no idea what's going on, or what's going to happen. For a major events company this is a mess."
Parent company Future Shorts has sold more than 250,000 tickets to its previous 19 productions.
The Secret Cinema experience involves film-goers buying a ticket for a set time and date without knowing what the film will be.
Productions feature live music, theatre and role-play - as well as alcohol and food.
Martina Martin and a group of seven friends had tickets for tonight's screening.
"We are very disappointed not to be going, as we have been to many Secret Cinema events and they are always fantastic," she told the Advertiser.
"It's very disappointing they are not being more open with us about the reasons."
A spokesperson for Future Film said: "Secret Cinema sincerely apologise to all ticket holders for yesterday's late announcement of the cancellation of shows.
"We have been prevented from opening our latest production, due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control regarding the building we are using.
"It is heart-breaking having to cancel the opening weekend and we are currently working very closely with all of the local authorities, who are all very supportive, to resolve the issues and launch the production as soon as possible.
"We will continue to do our utmost best under such difficult circumstances.
"All affected ticket holders have been contacted by Secret Cinema."Were you affected by the cancellations? Contact us at gareth.davies@croydonadvertiser.co.uk
