A campaign group has slammed a Staffordshire theatre after it was announced they would be hosting a show featuring Roy Chubby Brown.
North Staffordshire Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (Norscraf) is urging the Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent to cancel the show featuring the controversial comedian.
Brown, who the group called an “infamous bigot”, is performing at the venue as part of his tour, entitled “Not Meant to Offend, it’s Simply Comedy.”
Now, the campaign group has called on the Mitchell Arts Centre (MAC) to “reconsider” hosting the 79-year-old comedian.
The controversial comedian is set to perform at the venue in January
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In an open letter posted on social media, the group said: “We are writing to express our deep concerns regarding the upcoming performance of Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown, scheduled at your venue on January 10th and 11th.
“As you may be aware, numerous venues across the country have made the decision to cancel or distance themselves from hosting Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown. This is due to the content of the performances not aligning with their values of inclusivity, diversity and representing local audiences in a respectful manner.
“His content, often laden with racist, sexist, and homophobic gags, has been widely criticised for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing intolerance. This is not a throwaway section of Brown’s material but forms the main theme of his performances, and is what he is most famous for.
“While the tour is being marketed as a commentary on the so-called “crazy times of woke, cancellation, and political correctness,” it is crucial to recognise that the offensive nature of Brown’s comedy was never acceptable and has always been intentional.”
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Comedian Roy Chubby Brown
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The 79-year-old comedian rose to fame telling “blue” jokes, often mocking fun of racial and ethnic minorities, women, and members of the LGBT+ community.
However, the group said the MAC had a “responsibility” to be mindful of the messages it endorses and the example it sets for our community, adding: “We are also deeply concerned by the potential consequences of giving the go ahead to such acts in light of the violent far-right riots that took place in Hanley this past summer.
“We feel that hosting figures like Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown risks normalising racist and discriminatory attitudes which can lead to this violence. His material, which trivialises such issues, can contribute to an environment where bigotry is seen as acceptable, further emboldening harmful behaviours and actions that cause real damage.
“We trust that you will make a decision that reflects the values of inclusivity and respect, and helps to put Stoke-on-Trent on the map as a city of culture and entertainment for all, no matter what their background and identity.”
The show at the MAC has been organised by Stoke-on-Trent record shop, Music Mania.
The listing reads: “Roy is the undoubted King of Comedy. Countless DVDs (30 plus), numerous books & cds, thousands of live shows in a career spanning the decades and millions of fans worldwide are still testimony to the fact that even in these on going crazy times of woke, cancellation, political correctness culture, Roy is still the best of the best.”
GB News has approached the MAC and Music Mania for a comment.
