Theatre bans Jim Davidson

...he says it's 'political'

A theatre has slapped a ban on Jim Davidson, saying he’s too offensive.

The controversial comic did play The Marlowe in Canterbury last year, at a tribute to his friend Dave Lee, but venue director Mark Everett has publicly refused to book his touring show.

But he said he would ‘think about’ booking Frankie Boyle, despite his reputation for bad-taste gags.

Everett told his local paper: ‘Jim Davidson believes that I don't like his material, which is true.

‘I have an incredibly mixed programme and I am not shy about upsetting people, but there is a step too far.

‘Jim hasn't done himself any favours. He is a great comic but his material is offensive to so many people He generates such strong feeling, particularly among women and the disabled.

‘For some it would tarnish the Marlowe's name. I have no doubt that if we booked him he would sell out. But we are not just in the business of selling out performances.’

Writing on his blog, Davidson responded: ‘Sad but it is up to him,he’s the boss.

‘The reason he gives is a false one of course, but  he can’t give his real reasons.I suspect that they are political. I am not alone at being banned from there.

‘It would seem that one man decides what the town can watch.It is a bit odd seeing that it is a council venue! Still it’s his decision.’

The council spent £25.6million building the new Marlowe Theatre, which opened just over a year ago.

Published: 4 Apr 2013

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