In a disappointment for the fans, South African comedian Trevor Noah Wednesday cancelled his show in Bengaluru citing "technical issues". He apologised to those who had come for the show and said the money would be refunded.
Noah wrote on social media website X (formerly Twitter): "Dear Bengalaru, I was so looking forward to performing in your amazing city but due to technical issues we’ve been forced to cancel both shows. We tried everything but because the audience can’t hear the comedians on stage there’s literally no way to do a show. We’ll make sure all ticket holders receive a full refund and again I’m so sorry for both the inconvenience and disappointment this has never happened to us before."
The show came on a day Bengaluru saw massive traffic jams, which added to people's disappointment as they had spent hours commuting.
Tinu Cherian Abraham wrote on X, "But what about the people who have braved today's traffic and came to your show? Refund won't cut it."
The programme was scheduled to be held in Manpho Convention centre near Hebbal flyover. According to BookMyShow, the tickets for the show were Rs 2,000 onwards.
The programme was scheduled to start at 7.30 pm but Noah reached later. According to a person who attended the programme, spectators complained that they were unable to hear him, and Noah and his team checked the sound systems, but by 8.30 pm, organisers announced that the event had been cancelled.
Another X user, Madhavi Solanki, tweeted, "I booked the tickets months back to see you. It’s a shame we couldn’t host you well. We are so sad that we are still in traffic. We are sorry on behalf of all Indian fans who were looking forward to seeing you."
Neha Arya wrote, "Should have given people the choice of staying and listening or going back. Organisers could have refunded the amount back for those who couldn't hear. Waited three months for the show and kids in between exams took the time out to come for the show."
With a long weekend approaching (Eid on Thursday, Karnataka Bandh expected on Friday, Saturday and Sunday holidays and Gandhi Jayanthi on Monday), traffic volume in various parts of the city was high as people queued to travel out of the city.
(With inputs from agencies)