A central London theatre has been forced to apologise after reports of a comedian encouraged chants of “get the f*** out.”
Comedian Paul Currie allegedly encouraged his audience to chant “get the f*** out” and “free Palestine” while performing at the Soho Theatre last weekend.
It has been reported that the Belfast comedian produced a Palestinian and Ukrainian flag to use as props as his one-hour show came to a close.
One member of the 200-strong audience said they then started to feel “uneasy” when Currie pulled the flags out and demanded the crowd stand and applaud.
In a post on social media, someone who claimed to be at the gig said: “When we all sat down again, [Currie] looked towards a young man sitting in the second row and said ‘You didn’t stand, why? Didn’t you enjoy my show?
“The young man, who we soon realised was Israeli, replied: ‘I enjoyed the show until you brought out the Palestinian flag.’ Paul Currie retorted ‘get out of my show’, which instantaneously escalated into screaming at this young man, repeatedly shouting ‘leave my f***ing show, now!’
“The young man and his partner rose to leave, and the four of us immediately rose to exit as well, as we both did not want to be part of an antisemitic rant, as well as feeling unsafe.
“By the time we exited, what felt like the entire audience was up on its feet shouting, ‘free Palestine’ and ‘get out.'”
The Soho Theatre has now released a statement apologising, saying they will launch an investigation into the performance.
A spokesperson from the theatre said: “We are sorry and saddened by an incident that took place at our venue at the end of a performance of Paul Currie: Shtoom on Saturday 10 of February which has caused upset and hurt to members of audience attending and others.
“We take this very seriously and are looking into the detail of what happened as thoroughly, as sensitively, and as quickly as we can. It is important to us that Soho Theatre is welcoming and inclusive place for all.”
Jewish comic Josh Howie confirmed to JewishNews on Monday he had spoken to one of those who had been hounded out of the show, posting on social media: “This man was dignified, shaken, but defiant. Jews will not allow ourselves to be ostracised from public spaces.”
A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesperson said they are: “assisting Jewish guests who were reportedly hounded out of @sohotheatre in London.
“We are reviewing legal options after comedian Paul Currie allegedly led his audience in discriminatory chanting.”
https://www.gbnews.com/news/paul-currie-jewish-audience-members-hounded-out-of-soho-theatre