Veteran Impresario Sues The O2

Veteran ballet impresario Victor Hochhauser is believed to be suing London’s O2 Arena because he feels he was cheated when he promoted “The Nutcracker” in the venue.

Although Sir Peter Wright’s version of Tchaikovsky’s famous work featured the Birmingham Royal Ballet and was hailed for trying to bring ballet to the masses, it seems it didn’t bring masses to the ballet.

Rather, it seems the performances made a substantial loss.

Hochhauser, 89, told the Daily Telegraph he’s bringing a High Court action against Ansco Arena, the firm which runs The O2, claiming it charged thousands of pounds in costs without providing supporting documents.

Hochhauser says his expenses came to a total of £975,000, but Ansco has paid only £355,000, despite collecting income of £674,000. He wants the remaining £319,000 and his legal costs.

“I have worked in this business for the past 60 years and I have never had any disputes,” he told the Telegraph. “I have never been to court in my life, not even as a witness. All I want is the money I am owed by them – not a penny more and not a penny less.

“I have tried to take the reasonable approach. I am hoping this won’t go to court and, instead, we can reach a happy settlement.

“I have never had any trouble with a venue before. Business with me is always friendly. The Royal Albert Hall once even threw a big banquet for me,” he said.

An O2 spokesman was quoted as saying the venue was surprised by Hochhauser’s claim, but was confident that the matter will be brought to a satisfactory resolution for The O2.