Although it is still being developed, STAR said the code could include prohibiting the listing of speculative tickets by sellers, details of a resale agent's policies and procedures if an event were cancelled or postponed, and the creation of a "trusted environment where customers feel confident in listing tickets".
STAR already operates a code of practice for the primary ticket market, with the proposed code for the secondary market aiming to provide "similarly high standards of service and information". It added that "reputable online marketplaces" can provide a "safe environment for people offering to resell tickets", and that they were distinct from "unscrupulous websites where customers are defrauded by sellers".
London Calling - London mayor Boris Johnson has called on property developers and local authorities to engage more with arts leaders, in a bid to ensure that London's cultural scene continues to thrive. His plea comes as he publishes a new report, The A to Z of Planning and Culture, which outlines steps that can be taken to "integrate and protect culture, and even support new cultural activity in developments".
The report, aimed at councils, planners, community groups and developers, provides examples of good practice where culture is included in developments and ways to make use of existing frameworks to provide for cultural elements in schemes across the city. Johnson said, "As London continues to grow and prosper, there is a critical need to build more homes for Londoners, but this should not be at the expense of our culture and distinctiveness, which are hugely important for our economy." He said there were already good examples of developers and planners incorporating culture into schemes, but added, "We want more of them to be talking to, even working with, cultural bosses, artists and other creatives at the start of projects and to recognise the value of culture, not just to our city's quality of life, but to the success of their developments."
Cut-Price Potter - New play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will offer 250 tickets at each show for £20 or less, with producer Sonia Friedman claiming she wants to make it "accessible to the widest theatre going audience". Described as "one play in two parts", the production will also offer 250 tickets for each performance during previews at £15 or less. In addition, there will be "reduced price lottery tickets" for every show. Friedman said, "With reduced preview tickets starting at £10 per part, regular tickets starting at £15 per part, and the weekly and daily lotteries we have set out to make the play accessible to the widest theatre going audience."
The play is written by Jack Thorne and directed by John Tiffany. It will feature a cast of more than 30 performers, and both parts are intended to be seen in order, either on the same day or on two consecutive evenings. On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, audience members will be able to see both parts in one day. On Thursday evenings part one will be shown, with part two performed on Friday evenings.
EMA Winners - Justin Bieber was the big winner at MTV's EMAs - or European Music Awards - scooping five awards. The pop star won best male, best North American act, best collaboration for Where Are You Now?, with Skrillex and Diplo, biggest fans and best look. One Direction won the prize for best pop, Taylor Swift's Bad Blood won best song and Rihanna was named best female. Ed Sheeran hosted the ceremony in Milan on Sunday - and took home
