01 March 2024 , 17:54
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The man behind the shambolic Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow has finally released a full statement to explain what happened.
Parents were enraged after splashing out £35 per person, which also applied to their young children, after being promised a day of delight immersing themselves in Roald Dahl's most popular novel. But when they arrived, all they got was a dreary waerhouse, budget props and actors relying on AI-generated scripts.
Children feigned happiness when Oompa Loompas offered them singular jelly beans and a quarter cup of lemonade. Footage of the vent has since gone viral, with reports seen in countries as far flung as Australia and on US talk shows.
House of Illuminati, the Glasgow-based company responsible - took to social media in its first siginificant statement since the event last Saturday. Director Billy Coull wrote through the company page that each of the 850 tickets purchased will be refund. The Mirror has calculated the company would have made £29,750 had the alarm not been raised.
The event was so poor that parents contacted Police Scotland to report they'd been scammed (TMX / SWNS)
Clips of the event have made headlines across the world (Jenny Fogarty / SWNS)The statement read: "I am reaching out to address the recent cancellation of the “Willys Chocolate Experience” event. Firstly, I want to extend my sincerest apologies to each and every one of you who was looking forward to this event.
Cops called to 'Willy Wonka Chocolate Experience' after 'kids left in tears'
"I understand the disappointment and frustration this has caused, and for that, I am truly sorry. It’s important for me to clarify that the organisation and decisions surrounding this event were solely my responsibility. I want to make it clear that anyone who was hired externally or offered their help, are not affiliated with me or the company, any use of faces can cause serious harm to those who did not have any involvement in the making of this event.
Billy Coull yesterday released a video in which he said tickets would be refunded (FACEBOOK)
Rather than transporting their kids into a Wonka world of wonder, they were immersed in a dreary Glasgow warehouse sparingly adorned with budget props (TMX / SWNS)"In relation to the Gowanbank Hub: this was a non profit organisation that was set up during covid to provide help and support to people in need of help. Which I was responsible for.
"The named directors roles were focused on supporting our community and ensuring the continuation of the hub's activities, without any direct involvement in the event’s organization or financial decisions.
Paul Connell, who played Willy Wonka, shared scandalous information about what was happening behind the scenes (TWITTER)"Regarding a personal matter, there will be no wedding, and no wedding was funded by the ticket sales. This is a difficult time for me, and I ask for your understanding and privacy.
"Regarding the refunds, I am committed to rectifying this situation. All 850 transactions will continue to be refunded this has been posted to ensure transparency and to demonstrate my commitment to making this right for everyone affected.
Kirsty Paterson was one of the actors recruited to play an Oompa Loompa (X)"I ask for a bit of time to process everything that has happened. My intention is to learn from this experience. Your support and understanding during this time mean the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to read this message."
Several clips have been doing the rounds on social media showing exactly how bad the event was. In one a mum pans the camera around to show a handful of props, including a bar of Wonka chocolate, a blue pipe, candy sticks and a solitary Oompa Loompa behind a pop-up table. Her son, other kids and their parents can be seen looking around bemused as they realise they just splashed out £35 for the privilege.
The mum can be heard saying: "I'm not joking, paid £40 a ticket for this." She points the camera to the walls, where large sheets covered with Wonka-like settings are hanging. She explains that the organisers set them up for families to take photos in front of them. "What a waste of money," she added.
Paul Connell, who played the part of 'Wonka', branded the £35 a head showcase an "absolute mess" after police were forced to break up angry crowds of visitors. Paul said 'red flags' began to emerge about the "immersive experience" when he found out he had been cast as Wonka - and not an Oompa Loompa.
And he revealed he was given just hours to learn a 15-page script - made of up "AI generated gibberish" - before people started arriving. Paul was later forced to "hide" as visitors vented their anger at the organisers, House of Illuminati, who cancelled the event within hours of its opening.
Parents' fury after 'pitiful' £35 Willy Wonka experience leaves kids in tears
And despite the best efforts of actors, who still have not been paid for their services, he said it was one of the "most embarrassing things" he had ever witnessed. Paul said: "I really hope that everyone gets their refunds that they deserve.