A delicious "Willy Wonka "experience in Scotland went virally wrong, resulting in children crying and police being called in.
What was billed as an immersive' celebration of chocolate' was a dud when customers showed up at a scary-looking warehouse in Glasgow.
The experience promised giant mushrooms, candy canes, and chocolate fountains, with special audio and visual effects, and was supposed to be narrated by dancing Oompa-Loompas.
Instead, kids and caregivers found a sparsely decorated warehouse, a bouncy castle, a few background scenes and some props.
I admit I made a squeaking noise when I found there’s actual video from event as well: https://t.co/oUGA1ixhkL
— Disappointed Optimist (@disappoptimism) February 28, 2024
It more closely resembled a low-budget birthday party than an immersive experience.
The event organizers promptly shut down the experience when early arrivals demanded their money back.
It didn't end there, though.
I don’t know why this showed up on my feed, but I’m dying… Willy Wonka’s Previously Raided Meth Lab Experience. https://t.co/eROM8qQrBu
— Phil Miller (@PhilMiller2911) February 27, 2024
They failed to inform other guests arriving later that the event was over, so when they arrived, more trouble ensued.
Many had travelled far distances for the experience and demanded reimbursement for their train travel.
Police were immediately called to try to cool things off.
One of the actors hired to play Willy Wonka, the famous chocolatier, has spoken out about the event.
Paul Connell told The Independent that he was hired a few days before and given a complicated script, but when he arrived on the event day, none of the props were available to him.
"We were told to give kids one jelly bean and a quarter cup of lemonade. No chocolate at the chocolate experience."
I admit I made a squeaking noise when I found there’s actual video from event as well: https://t.co/oUGA1ixhkL
— Disappointed Optimist (@disappoptimism) February 28, 2024
He added that the event was chaotic.
"People were shouting, people who put on the event were crying. There were arguments, people running around everywhere — the set had been trashed." he explained.
House of Illuminati, the event organizers, has issued refunds and an apology.
In a statement, they said, "Unfortunately, last minute, we were let down in many areas of our event and tried our best to continue and push through, and now realize we probably should have cancelled first thing this morning instead."
Feature image from X
