Roy 'Chubby' Brown blames snowflakes for cancellation of Sheffield show
Roy 'Chubby' Brown has been backed by more than 28,000 protesters after Sheffield City Hall cancelled his show because it doesn't "reflect our values".
The 76-year-old Yorkshire comedian – famed for his offensive style of comedy – was due to perform at the venue in January next year.
But Sheffield City Trust has pulled the gig, refunding all 300 ticket holders who were due to attend the event at the 2,373-capacity Oval Hall.
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Brown – real name Royston Vasey – said on his Facebook page: "At first I had a sense of anger and disbelief, but on reflection I now feel just disappointment and sadness with the decision and the way things are going generally.
"I have been performing at the City Hall annually for the last 30+ years...
"Now in these strange times of snowflakes and political correctness it has been decided that I am no longer welcome... Why Now! is my question. [sic]"
An online petition to allow the comedian to perform at the venue has now gained more than 28,000 signatures.
Andrew Snelling, chief executive of Sheffield City Trust, had told YorkshireLive: “As our entertainment venues reopen following lockdown restrictions, we have been reviewing our programme of events.
“We have decided to remove the rescheduled show by comedian Roy Chubby Brown at Sheffield City Hall on January 29 2022.
“We don’t believe this show reflects Sheffield City Trust values, particularly our ambition that our leisure, culture and entertainment venues are inclusive for all in Sheffield.”
Brown – recognisable by his stage outfit of flying goggles and patchwork jackets – is known for his 'blue' humour, which some consider to be racist, sexist and generally offensive.
He has previously been caught up in rows over his shows, with other venues deciding to cancel his appearances, including in Swansea in 2019 and Nottingham in 2016.
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The head of Middlesbrough Town Hall – in Brown's hometown – resigned in protest after the mayor overturned her decision to ban him from appearing at the venue.
Brown, who lives in Lincolnshire, recently appeared live at Lincoln's New Theatre Royal.
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