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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Hayley Parker & Tim Hanlon

Comic Roy Chubby Brown to play gig despite calls in town for show to be axed

Roy Chubby Brown is performing on stage in Stoke tonight despite opponents saying his act has "racism and misogyny".

While the comic's other UK shows previously having been cancelled, he will be telling his controversial humour at the Victoria Hall in Hanley on Saturday night.

His other shows in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and Colne, Lancashire, have all been axed in recent years amid racism, homophobia and sexism concerns, reported StokeonTrentLive.

Famed for his flying goggles and outrageous outfits, the comedian uses foul-mouthed and politically incorrect humour that is not acceptable in the eyes of some. Frank Skinner once called him a racist on air during a TV interview.

Stoke woman, Caroline Key, previously wrote to local MP Jo Gideon and Stoke-on-Trent City Council calling for a Roy Chubby Brown gig to be scrapped in Christmas 2021.

Critics have said his humour is sexist and racist (Daily Record)
The comic in the past has denied that he is a racist (Mirrorpix)

She pointed to the fact that the Victoria Hall was the scene of the famous 'Lidice Shall Live' gathering in 1942 in response to the Nazi atrocity which wiped out the Czech village in the Second World War.

Caroline said: "I am very concerned that the comedian Roy Chubby Brown has been booked to appear at the Victoria Hall.

"The people of North Staffordshire are rightly proud of having a venue like the Victoria Hall on their doorstep and many, many people will have memories of attending great concerts there.

"Let's be clear, this is not a comedian who is just a bit controversial or who uses language that could be viewed as 'outdated'. His entire act is a stream of unrelenting racism and misogyny.

"This is an act that normalises and encourages racism and misogyny. Is that really reflective of the values of the Victoria Hall?

"When the people of North Staffordshire gathered there in 1942, they did so because they hated Nazi brutality and had a vision for a better future. To allow that same stage to be used to insult people because of their skin colour, mock them for the shape of their eyes, and abuse them for their gender, is a gross betrayal of all that those people stood for.

"I urge you to do all you can to ensure that this 'performance' does not go ahead. Many areas have previously refused to host this act. The people of North Staffordshire deserve more than having one of their major venues associated with this."

Roy got his big break on the tv talent show New Faces in the 1970s, and earned notoriety for the his profanity-laden act. His shows have been pulled by a number of councils over the years for fear of his material not reflecting the values of their communities.

Hitting back previously, the comic, real name Royston Vasey, said: "I repeat it's just COMEDY behind closed doors and a bit of fun for all. If you are in the minority and the nature of my show is not your cup of tea, I totally respect that, so don't buy a ticket that is your choice, but don't spoil it for the majority with complaints or bans, let people decide for themselves!"

The Victoria Hall advises under-18s to stay away from the show. Tickets for the one-night only show are currently on sale. They are priced at £21.50.

The venue's promotional material states: "As politically incorrect as ever 'The World's Most Outrageous Comedian' is far too rude for TV, so this live performance is the only place to catch the flamboyant comedian!

"He's still rude, he's still crude and this time he's turning headlines into punchlines as his rip-roaring brand of banter continues to burst bellies across the country.

"Chubby doesn't hold back from sharing his outlandish views on the news, women and gender, sailing so close to the mark, even the most seasoned of fans will be left gob-smacked. If easily offended please stay away."

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