Roy Chubby Brown to play Hanley gig tonight despite calls for show to be cancelled – Stoke-on-Trent Live

Controversial comic Roy Chubby Brown will be performing at the Victoria Hall tonight - despite his other UK shows previously being cancelled.

The foul-mouthed funnyman is playing the Hanley venue this evening (April 15).

It comes as some of his other shows in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and Colne, Lancashire, have been axed in recent years amid racism, homophobia and sexism concerns.

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Famed for his flying goggles and outrageous outfits, the comedian is well known for his x-rated sense of humour. However, his politically-incorrect jokes have caused offence and Frank Skinner once called him a racist on air during a TV interview.

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

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.

"Lets be clear, this is not a comedian who is just a bit controversial or who uses language that could be viewed as outdated.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 its 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 dont buy a ticket that is your choice, but dont 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 Worlds Most Outrageous Comedian is far too rude for TV, so this live performance is the only place to catch the flamboyant comedian!

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

"Chubby doesnt 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."

The Victoria Hall has been approached for a statement. For tickets, click here.

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Roy Chubby Brown to play Hanley gig tonight despite calls for show to be cancelled - Stoke-on-Trent Live