A family has been left heartbroken after being kicked out of a theatre show for bringing their baby-in-arms along.
John Goddard, 35, and his family were thrown out of the Mother Goose panto at the Liverpool Empire Theatre.
John had attended the performance with his wife and their six-week-old baby on March 1 last year, after bagging a £50 voucher for the theatre.
The family were let into the theatre as normal and checked multiple times by members of staff without any issues.
But just 10 minutes after finding their seat, the family were informed by staff that they had to leave immediately as babies weren't allowed.
"We were really looking forward to this," John said. "My wife had a really tough labour and recovery and I thought this would be a really lovely treat for her.
"We arranged for our two-and-a-half-year-old to be looked after by my parents and I even booked a day off work. There were no problems with the staff that checked our tickets, and we passed multiple people and patrons on our way in - people were even cooing over the baby.
"We found our seats and I went to buy us some chocolate, drinks and a programme, but the second I sat back in my seat we were told no babies were allowed in the auditorium and we had to leave," he told the LiverpoolEcho.
John told staff he had checked the terms and conditions, which he said stated babies in arms could be admitted to children's shows and pantomimes only, and he therefore refused to leave the theatre.
But staff called security on the family, leaving John's wife in tears.
"By this point, my wife was mortified and in tears. Everyone was staring, whispering to each other and we were made to feel like we were the reason everybody else was not watching the show", he said.
"The baby was asleep in my wife's sling and we even booked an aisle seat so if the baby did cry or need changing, we could leave if we needed to.
"When we went into the foyer, they closed the doors and my heart sank because I knew we were not getting back in. I understand the staff had a job to do and were just following the party line, they were fine, but at times rude."
The family was immediately given a refund and is looking to file a formal complaint against the theatre.
Diane Belding, Liverpool Empire’s theatre director, confirmed the staff were wrong in removing John and his family issued an apology.
She said: "I was made aware that a member of our audience was asked to leave ahead of yesterday’s matinee performance of Mother Goose. ATG’s policy regarding babes in arms is that infants under 18 months are not permitted.
"An exception is made for children’s shows and pantomimes. Although Mother Goose is a pantomime, there is a recommended age guidance of 3yrs+, which caused some confusion with staff.
"On this occasion, we got it wrong and I am very sorry that Mr Goddard was asked to leave. We have taken steps to ensure the mistake will not be repeated and I am reaching out to Mr and Mrs Goddard personally to invite them back to the Empire as guests of the venue."
