For those who’re a real crime fanatic like me, the thought of attending a dwell homicide trial expertise in all probability had you buzzing with pleasure. That’s precisely how I felt after I first heard about Homicide Trial Stay. The occasion promised an immersive expertise the place attendees may play the position of jurors, witness gripping courtroom drama, and resolve the decision of a homicide case. Sounds thrilling, proper? Sadly, the truth was far much less charming.
On this weblog submit, I’ll be sharing my sincere overview of Homicide Trial Stay, detailing the various the reason why I wouldn’t advocate it. From overpriced tickets and disappointing seating to false promoting and poor occasion execution, there’s loads to unpack. For those who’re considering whether or not to attend this occasion, learn on for an sincere account of my expertise.
Please observe I paid for these tickets myself and this isn’t in any approach sponsored by the corporate!
Expectations vs. Precise Expertise
The promotional supplies for Homicide Trial Stay painted a vivid image of an thrilling afternoon or night crammed with suspense and intrigue. They’ve each matinee classes and night classes. We selected the matinee as it’s considerably cheaper and we have been glad we did.
From the second we arrived, it was clear that the occasion was extra involved with making a fast buck than delivering a top quality expertise. Listed here are a few of the key disappointments we skilled. Having checked out Journey Adviser we have now additionally seen that we’re not alone!
The beneath screenshot exhibits the seats we purchased and the structure marketed. As you possibly can see it’s nothing like we have been marketed!
The Overpriced Entry and Automobile Park
The automotive parking payment was £15, and there have been no different choices to get to the venue attributable to it being on a most important street too far to stroll from wherever else and that vehicles can’t safely cease on to drop off. This added expense felt like a cash seize and undoubtedly set a unfavourable tone for the time out proper from the beginning.
If this wasn’t all dangerous sufficient, instantly after I bought the three tickets for myself and two mates I obtained an e-mail providing further tickets for 30% off. How unbelievable is that? Then nearer to the occasion tickets turned half worth. It truthfully felt like we’d have Lord Sugar strolling in at any level and one thing run by The Apprentice candidates moderately than an precise enterprise!
Deceptive Ticketing Data
We opted for what have been marketed as “the very best seats” in the home, solely to find that these premium seats have been no higher than the cheaper choices. The truth is, a few of the lower-cost seats supplied a greater view of the “courtroom”. It’s infuriating to spend more money for a supposed improve, solely to grasp that you just’ve been misled. Our view is proven beneath and admittedly was very disappointing.
Our seats have been the place this picture was taken from (nonetheless standing up – the view was as above when sitting down!). The individuals you see close to the door on the proper of the image could have paid lower than half of what we paid and have a entrance view of the present, we had a poor aspect view!
First issues first, the price of attending Homicide Trial Stay was already costly. We paid £71 for “greatest view” seats (since decreased in worth – extra about that later) on a Sunday Afternoon, tickets in the identical place on a night have been round £95!
False Promoting on Meals Choices
One of many promoting factors for Homicide Trial Stay was the promise of distributors of avenue meals. We had booked to attend 12-4pm so knew we would want to eat lunch there. Nonetheless, this turned out to be unfaithful each at our venue and all others in accordance with critiques. As a substitute the one choices have been nachos, popcorn, and crisps—all at inflated costs. For instance, a single packet of crisps price £2.50! There was additionally an possibility of pre-ordering a “excessive tea” for £25 which we didn’t do. Taking a look at what individuals obtained we’re glad we didn’t, try Journey Advisor for some photos of that! Meals was served in a tray on knees!
Ridiculously Costly Drinks
The drinks have been equally overpriced, additional including to the frustration. It’s one factor to pay a premium for a novel expertise, however when each side of the occasion feels designed to squeeze each final penny out of you, it leaves a foul style in your mouth.
No Outdoors Meals or Drinks Allowed
To make issues worse, attendees weren’t allowed to convey their very own meals or drinks. The occasion organisers even inspired individuals to report anybody they noticed consuming outdoors meals or drinks in alternate at no cost drinks all night time. This coverage felt invasive and petty, creating an disagreeable environment of policing amongst visitors. Equally stating it’s unlawful to take meals or drinks to the occasion is solely unfaithful, there is no such thing as a regulation that governs this in any respect.
The beneath leaflet was positioned on every desk!
Uncomfortable Seating
The seating at Homicide Trial Stay was one other main disappointment. The chairs have been uncomfortable, making it troublesome to benefit from the efficiency. For an occasion that lasts a number of hours, snug seating is crucial, and this was sorely missing. Fortunately we had seen critiques and took cushions with us which made it just a little extra bearable, that stated, we shouldn’t have needed to!
Regardless of paying further for the so-called greatest seats, the view of the stage was horrible. The structure of the venue meant that many attendees struggled to see the motion, additional detracting from the general expertise. It’s exhausting to really feel immersed in a homicide trial once you’re craning your neck to catch a glimpse of the actors and the screens displaying proof are out of your view too.
Questionable Evaluation Practices
One of the vital regarding points of Homicide Trial Stay was the way in which the organisers solicited critiques. Attendees have been requested to go away optimistic critiques earlier than the present even began, with the motivation of being entered right into a draw to win champagne. This follow raises severe doubts concerning the authenticity of the glowing TripAdvisor critiques and leaves solely the various unfavourable critiques being ones I might advocate trusting and undermines the credibility of the occasion.
By encouraging individuals to go away critiques earlier than experiencing the occasion utilizing the QR code within the leaflet above, the organisers successfully manipulate the suggestions, making certain that any unfavourable experiences are much less more likely to be mirrored within the general ranking. This misleading tactic is a crimson flag and had I identified this earlier than I’m not positive I might haven’t booked tickets.
The Efficiency Itself
Credit score the place credit score is due—the actors did a commendable job with the fabric they got. Their performances have been participating and plausible. Nonetheless, the general execution of the occasion left a lot to be desired.
Plot Holes and Confusion
The homicide case offered at Homicide Trial Stay was riddled with plot holes and inconsistencies. Key particulars have been both glossed over or totally omitted, making it troublesome to observe the story and attain a well-informed verdict. For instance, there was no clear motive for the crime talked about, and the reason for loss of life for one of many victims was left unexplained. This lack of coherence made the expertise at instances extra irritating than satisfying.
Lack of Immersion
The largest promoting level of Homicide Trial Stay was the promise of an immersive expertise. Sadly, the poor execution, mixed with the varied logistical points, made it inconceivable to totally immerse your self within the occasion. As a substitute of feeling like a juror in a high-stakes homicide trial, I felt like a spectator at a poorly-organised novice dramatics efficiency.
Deceptive Advertising and marketing
The advertising and marketing for Homicide Trial Stay promised an unforgettable night of suspense and intrigue. In actuality, the occasion did not ship on nearly each entrance. From the food and drinks choices to the uncomfortable seating and poorly-executed plot, it was clear that the organisers had prioritised revenue over high quality.
The discrepancy between the marketed expertise and the truth of the occasion left me feeling deceived. It’s one factor for an occasion to fall in need of expectations, however the degree of false promoting concerned in selling Homicide Trial Stay was unbelievable.
Individuals shopping for tickets deserve higher than this. I paid on my bank card for the tickets and while the organisers refuse any refund even regardless of them not offering the promised avenue meals distributors and “greatest view” in addition to the opposite points I’ve shared I’ve requested my bank card firm to have a look at a doable chargeback/refund.
Conclusion
For those who’re contemplating attending Homicide Trial Stay, my recommendation is easy—don’t waste your time or cash. The occasion is overpriced, poorly organised, and fails to ship on its guarantees. From the deceptive ticketing data and overpriced meals and drinks to the uncomfortable seating and questionable overview practices, there are numerous causes to present this occasion a miss.
For my part, don’t let the very fact the BBC have beforehand talked about it offer you any confidence and pay no consideration to the great critiques on Journey Advisor as these are incentivised and think about in the event you can be blissful to take a seat on these seats for 4 hours, pay over the chances for one thing which is mediocre at greatest after which pay further to easily attend the occasion and resolve in the event you can afford that. I personally would advocate selecting one thing good on the theatre or native area as an alternative! We paid not far more for superb tickets for Peter Kay and fewer than half the worth for third row Sarah Millican tickets, there may be merely no comparability!
