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Secret Cinema keeps customers waiting for announcement on cancelled Back to the Future screenings

Cinema-goers are still in the dark about whether tonight's show will go ahead

Jess Denham
Friday 25 July 2014 14:59 BST
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Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future
Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future

Secret Cinema are still keeping fans waiting as to whether or not the Back to the Future screening will go ahead tonight

Following the last minute cancellation of last night's show, an announcement on tonight's performance had been scheduled for 11am.

But a statement issued half an hour late read: "Secret Cinema and all parties involved have been working urgently through the night to resolve the issues on site."

A fuller statement has been promised "shortly".

The company, founded by Fabien Riggall, gave ticket holders little explanation for the last minute decision yesterday evening, bar insisting it was down to “unavoidable circumstances”.

Fans had been preparing to gather at 5.15pm at London’s Hackney Wick station to be taken to the secret location.

But just an hour and a half before meeting, the announcement came that there would be no Back to the Future screening and those in their Fifties fancy dress should go home.

Images began emerging on social media claiming that the set had not been finished on time and that health and safety had not signed off the production. One Twitter user suggested that the screen was unwatchable before dark.

Secret Cinema another “cancellation update” late last night after scores of fans shared their disappointment and anger on social media after the first one.

“Most of you know we have proven time and again that we put our hearts into every production,” the message read. “This has been a hugely ambitious endeavour and we are deeply sorry for those of you that planned your weeks around this particular night.

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“We know the effort that goes into attending our events and we understand the utter disappointment you are all feeling. We are truly feeling it too.”

The organisers received little sympathy from disgruntled cinema-goers, however, some of whom had forked out for travel and hotels in order to make the event.

Secret Cinema has grown into a mecca for film lovers who enjoy the mysterious and immersive experience it offers.

Their biggest production to date, Back to the Future sold 17,000 tickets in the first four minutes of sale. To date, more than 66,000 tickets have been shifted.

The first half of the evening promises audience members transportation in a time machine, before plenty of surprise elements during the screening of Robert Zemickis’ cult movie.

A Battle of the Bands contest to determine who will play each night before a secret high-profile headline act, and an "Enchantment Under the Sea" prom dance were also set to feature.

Secret Cinema has a reputation for organisational failings after a screening of Brazil last May saw 2,500 attendees told 60 minutes opening that it had been cancelled over "licensing issues".

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