Heckler ejected from club gives his story

The heckler thrown out of a comedy night by police last week has insisted that he apologised for his behaviour – and only caused a scene because he wasn't offered a refund.

Officers were called to eject Jason Spooner from the Grand Theatre in Swansea after he became too disruptive during Celia Pacquola's set.

He has now written a letter to the South Wales Evening Post, protesting that he was only trying to respond in the spirit of the show.

He said he knew that his front-row seat might leave him subjected to 'a little ribbing', and explained: 'The compere, after my friend and I answered a question, did proceed to make fun of us, and I not my friend, replied in kind. This continued with the next act.

'When I thought it was getting out of hand I apologised unreservedly to the act and I hoped that would be the end of it.'

He confirmed that he was asked to leave but refused to do so unless he was given his money back. He also says his request to speak to a manager was ignored.

'They seem to neglect saying that I had apologised and wanted things to move on,' he added.

The theatre's programme, marketing and development manager Paul Hopkins told Chortle: 'Given the full circumstances of the evening, I would strongly support the actions of the staff and the duty manager in dealing with Mr Spooner and his friend.

'Those that were there and witnessed the events have been hugely supportive of the theatre’s actions. The only complaint to date has come from Mr Spooner.'

Published: 4 Jun 2014