Theatre cancels comedian Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown’s ‘No Offence Meant’ show… because it does not promote ‘inclusion’
A theater has canceled a show by comedian Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown for not encouraging ‘participation’.
The 81-year-old comedian, whose real name is Royston Vasey, was to perform at Exmouth Pavilion in Devon on August 21 as part of his No Offense Meant tour.
But he announced Tuesday that the theater had informed him that the show was ‘no longer aligned with the long-term strategic direction of the organization.’
Vasey’s tour posters warn ‘those who are easily disturbed please stay away’ and say only people over 18 should attend.
Last month, Exmouth Pavilion’s official Facebook page advertised the performance, stating: ‘This is a comedy aimed at adults and is not intended to offend.
The comedian, who was banned from performing many times due to the nature of his content, made a statement on his official social media page in reaction to the decision.
The statement included the following: ‘Unfortunately, the new management of Exmouth Pavilion informed us by email late on Friday night that they would be canceling Roy’s planned performance.
‘To cut the email short, the statement in the email was, and I quote one sentence: ‘This show is no longer aligned with the long-term strategic direction of the organisation.’
The 81-year-old comedian, whose real name is Royston Vasey, was to perform at Exmouth Pavilion in Devon on August 21 as part of his No Offense Meant tour.
‘Whatever you make of it, I think you can guess my opinion, but let’s not go off topic again.
‘I will say something and it is entirely my opinion; You may or may not agree with this, but as an individual you have the right to decide for yourself.
‘If the new management had a problem with the Chubby show for whatever reason, wouldn’t it make sense to respect the contractual booking and let the show go on?’
He also criticized the seaside theater for ‘cancelling a show three and a half months before the actual date when fans were buying tickets and likely making travel plans’, claiming it was ‘totally the wrong decision’.
‘I have since spoken to one of the theater managers to try to understand the situation and although it would be an understatement to say we see it completely differently, unfortunately the decision will not be reversed,’ he added.
A spokesman for LED Community Leisure, which operates the pavilion, said: ‘As a public community venue, Exmouth Pavilion exists to promote culture, arts and freedom of expression.
‘We recognize that this decision will cause disappointment and inconvenience for some and we are sorry for that.
‘As a charitable operator of public spaces, LED’s role is to carefully balance artistic freedom with our responsibility to promote participation, wellbeing and community cohesion.’
Vasey has been working in the comedy industry since the 1960s and is known as one of the hardest-working performers in show business.
With his distinctive leather flying helmet and goggles, his comedy has always divided opinion.
Vasey’s tour posters warn ‘those who are easily disturbed please stay away’ and say only over-18s should attend
Critics say its humor is outdated and relies on offensive, profane, sexual material. But fans say this straightforward offering is a comedy with working-class honesty and not for the easily offended.
But the move was deemed too rude for Exmouth, while another Devon seaside town says it has no plans to cancel the action.
Brown fans can still see the show at the Babbacombe Theater in Torquay.
Babbacombe Theater said: ‘We are aware that a venue in Devon has recently canceled the scheduled date of Roy Chubby Brown’s show – NOT INTENDED TO BE OFFENSIVE, IT’S ALL COMEDY THIS SUMMER.
For those hoping to catch the show, we are delighted to announce that Roy will continue performing at the Babbacombe Theater in Torquay on Thursday 20 August at 7.30pm.
‘We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond to enjoy the unique, no-holds-barred humor that Roy is famous for.
‘Please note: This performance is strictly for audiences aged 16 and over and may not be suitable for those who are easily offended.
‘As high demand is expected, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.’
