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Festivals

Comedian Jerry Sadowitz's Fringe Show Cancelled Amid Controversy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scottish comedian and magician Jerry Sadowitz has been barred from continuing his Fringe show, Not For Anyone, after the Pleasance venue claimed his material was "not acceptable" and did not align with its values. Despite audiences being warned in advance about strong language and distressing themes, the Pleasance cited a "significant" number of complaints about Friday's show. The move has been met with widespread criticism from fellow comedians, who have defended Sadowitz's right to free speech and challenged the Pleasance's decision.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pleasance venue has cancelled Jerry Sadowitz's show, citing material that is "not acceptable" and does not align with their values.
  • The show, Not For Anyone, contained strong language and themes that some attendees found distressing, despite warnings being issued in advance.
  • Fellow comedians Brian "Limmy" Limond, Katherine Ryan, Richard Herring, Michael Redmond, and Jeremy Vine have expressed their support for Sadowitz and criticized the Pleasance's decision.
  • The Pleasance claims to champion freedom of speech but has cancelled a show that it deemed to be in breach of those values.
  • The decision has been described as "pathetic" and a "very worrying development" by Piers Morgan and Richard Herring respectively.
  • Many have pointed out that Sadowitz's material was not a surprise and that audiences were warned about what to expect.
  • The Fringe Society has stated that it does not program, curate, or censor artists' work, and that Sadowitz's show was an open access event.

Statistics:

  • The Pleasance received a "significant" number of complaints about Friday's show.
  • The Fringe Society has confirmed that it is an open access arts festival, with no censorship taking place.
  • Sadowitz has been a regular performer at the Fringe since the 1980s.
  • The Pleasance claims to champion freedom of speech but has cancelled a show that it deemed to be in breach of those values.

Sources:

  • Pleasance venue
  • Brian "Limmy" Limond
  • Katherine Ryan
  • Richard Herring
  • Jeremy Vine
  • Piers Morgan
  • Mike Scott
  • Tam Dean Burn
  • Jenny Lindsay
  • Emma Kennedy
  • Fringe Society

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