A large proportion of audiences say booking fees for concert and theatre tickets are far too expensive, with many claiming that any extra charges should be revealed before purchases are made, according to a new Which? survey.

People were questioned by the consumer campaigning charity as it launches its Play Fair On Ticket Fees campaign, in order to help bring an end to hidden booking fees.

Research has also revealed that half of consumers said that the idea of additional charges on tickets had put them off booking altogether, as eight in 10 people who bought tickets in the last 12 months have admitted to feeling ripped off.

Which? has discovered that out of 20 ticketing companies and venues, seven did not openly reveal the cost of extra fees, while within 78 bookings, only two were made without additional charges being added.

Consumers also noted that it was unfair to be charged to print their own tickets at home, as well as having to pay a fee to collect them personally from the box office.

The controversy surrounding booking fees has long been debated; with many booking businesses claiming fees are necessary in order to make money, as clients often do not pay providers directly to distribute tickets.

A large number of booking agents also claim that these fees are decided in accordance with their clients to ensure a fair deal for all, while also bringing to light the need to provide financial backing to cater for retail, distribution and technological costs incurred during the process.

However, campaigners such as Which? have stated that those who do not display compulsory charges are potentially breaching Advertising Standards Authority regulations.

Some of the most intriguing fees found included an £8 fee on a £56 ticket to see Katy Perry at the London O2 arena, while there was an additional £9 fee on a £25 ticket to see Jimmy Carr live.

More information on the Which? Play Fair On Ticket Fees campaign is available here .