A couple's unexpected adventure unfolded when they found themselves locked inside Madame Tussauds Blackpool after hours, leading to a series of panicked attempts to escape the attraction. Stephen Robinson, 48, and his wife Michelle, 44, were enjoying an evening visit when they realised they were alone in the venue. The couple, hailing from St Helens, Merseyside, noted with increasing unease that all exits appeared to be locked, leaving them at the mercy of waxworks of celebrities.
The couple attempted to make their predicament known, banging on doors and waving at passersby who, tragically oblivious to their plight, replied only with casual waves. In desperation, they called Lancashire Police for assistance. Their plea was met with initial scepticism, as Mr Robinson recounted, “I think they thought it was a hoax call at first,” a reflection of how absurd the situation must have sounded. The police were alerted to the incident at 6:10 PM, and a manager from the attraction arrived shortly thereafter to release them, allowing the couple to exit about half an hour later.
Their confinement at Madame Tussauds was made slightly less daunting by the unique environment. The attraction features a recreation of the famed Rovers Return from Coronation Street, where the Robinsons were at least able to access drinks and snacks, turning a frightening experience somewhat amusing. Reflecting on their time spent surrounded by wax figures, Mr Robinson joked about encountering “Ken and Deirdre,” suggesting that after such an eerie experience, hearing the Coronation Street theme tune would carry entirely different connotations.
In response to the incident, Madame Tussauds offered the couple a full refund along with a complimentary stay, maintaining that at no point were they abandoned alone in the building. A spokesperson assured that the management team had been on the premises throughout, perhaps trying to frame the situation more favourably given the unusual circumstances surrounding the couple’s ordeal.
Madame Tussauds Blackpool is emblematic of the city's revitalisation efforts, having undergone a substantial £10 million refurbishment as part of a broader project to enhance Blackpool’s attractions, including the adjacent Blackpool Tower. Initially opening as the first Madame Tussauds outside London, it offers visitors a chance to mingle with lifelike representations of celebrities and historical icons, such as David Beckham and Winston Churchill. The museum's ongoing appeal lies not only in its wax figures but in its themed areas that encourage engagement, such as interactive experiences for families.
Despite the unnerving incident, it seems the Robinsons were able to leave with a semblance of humour about their experience. The attraction deftly highlights both the potential for unexpected situations in tourism as well as the importance of safety protocols, ensuring that such occurrences are addressed promptly.
Madame Tussauds Blackpool stands not merely as a museum of wax but as a testament to the evolving nature of leisure activities in the region, promising both fun and, as evidenced by the Robinsons' experience, the occasional unexpected twist.
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Source: Noah Wire Services