Fans have hit out at a London theatre after a trigger warning appeared on the Jesus Christ Superstar musical alerting audiences it depicts the crucifixion.
Information published about the show by London Palladium included further warnings of ‘imitation blood' and 'some violence'.
Created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show follows the last days of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of his disciple and betrayer, Judas.
But the pre-performance advisories have caused a stir amongst fans, with some branding the advice as “nonsense”.
Fan Gerald Dixon told The Sun: “What next? A warning that the hit musical includes catchy tunes?
“This nonsense is enough to make anyone utter the Lord's name in vain.”
Tickets for the show which returns next year went on sale on Wednesday, costing up to £335.
It features iconic musical numbers including 'Superstar' and 'I Don't Know How To Love Him'.
Eurovision star and 'Space Man' singer Sam Ryder, will take on the role of Jesus.
The musical first debuted in the West End in 1972 and ran for eight years with 3,000 shows, garnering a steady fanbase.
The original faced backlash for its sympathetic portrayal of Judas and was banned in South Africa for being “irreligious”.
Trigger warnings, which inform audiences about potentially distressing content, including abuse, violence and loud noises, have become a point of contention in the industry in recent years.
Last year British actors Matt Smith, Ralph Fiennes and Dame Judi Dench spoke out against the measures, calling for them to be scrapped or advising “sensitive” theatre goers to avoid the stage.
Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Smith said: “That’s why we go to the theatre isn’t it?
“To be shocked, to be arrested out of ourselves, to recognise ourselves in front and with an audience.”
Smith acknowledged the importance of alerts for things like strobe lighting, which can trigger seizures for those with epilepsy. However, he suggested that additional audience warnings could detract from the theatrical experience.
The Standard has contacted LW Theatres for comment.
