Star Wars fans left fuming as cinema’s ticketing system crashes
THERE was a major disturbance in The Force when a cinema chain’s online payment system failed as hundreds of Star Wars fans tried to snap up tickets.
Millions of fans have been eagerly waiting for the latest film in the space saga, The Last Jedi, which opened to much fanfare this week.
But some weren't so lucky, with furious fans taking to Twitter to vent their anger at Showcase Cinemas, after the website crashed on Thursday while they were booking seats.
Some had money taken from their account twice after they restarted the process but still did not get a ticket.
Karen Laponder, 54, from Swanley, Kent, said she paid for a Saturday night screening of the highly anticipated ninth film in the franchise at Bluewater.
It was meant to be an anniversary gift for hubby Ian, 46, and their daughter Leanne, 22.
She said: "The system said there was an error so I tried again. It took the best part of £100 off me but didn’t process the booking.
"We filled out an online form and nobody got back to us. I called but they’re not answering the phone.
"The website says ‘no refunds’ so who knows when or if we’ll get the money back? The customer service is absolutely diabolical."
"Ian and Leanne are huge Star Wars nuts.
"It's our 22nd anniversary on Saturday so this was going to be a night of celebration but it’s been ruined."
Karen added that she still hadn't been able to secure her family's tickets for the weekend - or a refund.
Cinemas in Leicester, Nottingham and Leeds were also affected.
Mark Jeffries tweeted: "Pay online for some tickets, only to be told that my money has been taken, I’ve got no tickets and to contact customer support, BUT no number for customer support. #RipOff."
Another said: "Pay for tickets and then get an error screen saying ‘your transaction has not been processed but you have been charged’? Fuming does not cut it right now!"
Users also blasted the chain for charging 13p a minute to phone up and complain.
One said: "I've been in touch using your online contact form with the issue but have heard nothing. I don’t fancy paying 13p a minute to call either to resolve it so can you please advise?"
The Sun Online has contacted Showcase Cinemas to see what the problem was but it hasn't yet responded.
If you're looking for the perfect Christmas gift the Star Wars fan in your life, then you're going to be spoilt for choice.
More on money
From R2-D2 toasters to Darth Vader oven gloves, the merchandise you can get seems to be getting more and ridiculous.
And if you've got some classic, vintage toys hiding in the attic, then you could be worth you sticking them on eBay as they might be worth a few bob.
One mint-condition Darth Vader figure sold for £350 this week.
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