TV Audience Tickets (QI)

moromir

I hope this is an appropriate forum to post in!

After applying via ApplauseStore a few months ago, I have received a 'Ticket Confirmation‏' from them for 7th June. I applied for this date because its my mum's birthday and shes a really big fan of the show so I thought it would be a nice suprise!

However after reading the terms and conditions on the printable 'ticket' I am quite concerned!

At the top of the 'ticket' its all very positive and is full of phrases like-

Quote
This is your official eTicket... This exclusive Applause Store page is your ticket/s. You must now print off this entire page and bring it to the show with you (& your guests)....We are really happy that you will be joining us for the television recording of the fantastic BBC2 comedy panel game show hosted by the one & only STEPHEN FRY


etc. Now on the 'ticket' it says Ticket Type: Normal and I noted this buried in the T&C:

Quote: ENTRANCE IS SUBJECT TO SEATING/VENUE CAPACITY & SERVED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. THIS eTICKET DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRANCE (unless it clearly states Priority Pass. Restricted times, terms and conditions apply).Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

The 'ticket' states the doors open at 18:45, has anyone been before and if so how early would you recommend we arrive? My only experience with this kind of thing was going to see Dancing On Ice a few years ago but I'm pretty sure our tickets were guaranteed.

Is it just a get out of jail free card for the company just incase the scenario comes up or do they routinely turn people away from the recordings? I don't know how many tickets are sent out per show.

I'm just concerned as its a £20 rail ticket for each of us and its her birthday so I don't want her to be disappointed.

If anyone has any experience going to a taping, especially QI it would be much appreciated.

Regards

Arthurian

I have read on other websites that these ticketing companies overbook for the free TV shows as a policy, and unless you are early in the queue you are likely to be turned away.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=403469

lucylucky

I was involved in a recording of a TV programme many years ago where the producer managed to send out over 350 tickets. The studio held 120 people. Over 200 hundred turned up - chaos ensued.

Kimberley1987

I've been to a couple of tv recordings and have regularly seen people being turned away. For a populr show like this I would recommend being there a couple of hours in advance.

wattywattwatt

Yes, I would recommend turning up pretty early. We've been to recordings in London ( Jonathon Ross, We Need Answers) and a couple of other ones (a sitcom and a quiz show) in Glasgow and only been turned away once, but on that occasion we arrived close to the start time. Popular shows will always be well oversubscribed with many more tickets allocated than seats available and as QI is in this category I think at least an hour or two in advance would be advisable. It's unfortunate but this is the way it has to be as so many people apply for these free tickets and don't turn up it's the only way for the producers to guarantee a full house. You were really lucky to get QI tickets, I'm sure you'll have a great time!