MONMOUTH has seen two instances of queuing this week, a sight normally reserved for Oxford Street’s Christmas sales.

The first occurred in Monnow Street on Friday morning, 14th July, when punters began queuing at 4.30am for the opening of a clothes shop relocating from Agincourt Square.

Neighbours Catherine Pezzarini-Hodges and Katie Matthews from Cross Ash decided to share the ‘first in the queue’ reward of a £200 voucher to spend inside the shop.

“We came together and we are going to split the voucher” said Catherine. Others in the queue would be getting vouchers for £100 and £50.

The second instance occurred when tickets for Michael McIntyre, one of the UK’s top comedians went on sale at the Savoy Theatre.

The announcement that he had made a last minute ‘work in progress’ stop off at the venue meant that 15 minutes after the tickets went on sale online and at the door, the theatre had sold out.

The Savoy Theatre put out a statement saying: “Michael McIntyre has sold out. Sorry but there was a huge demand. and a number of incorrect statements are being made.

“There were no tickets pre-sold to Friends as it was too short notice. No tickets were sold before 10am. Tickets were available on line as plenty were bought that way.

“We did not feel it was right to prioritise any one group so allowed access through online and phone as well as in person. We know not everyone got through because demand overtook supply.

“The simple fact is that we only have 370 seats and Michael McIntyre is very popular. We could have sold it five times over.”