By Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown fans create petition after cancelled show
Fans of local comedian Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown have created a petition after his Sheffield show had been cancelled by the city council.
Sheffield City Council, who runs the venue, said that the shows were too offensive and did not reflect the values of the town.
Despite being banned at Sheffield City Hall, he is still performing locally with shows scheduled in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Lincoln.
The petition, which currently has over 34,000 signatures, states that: “Andrew Snelling of the Sheffield city trusts seems to think that “his shows don’t reflect Sheffield city trusts values”. Yes some of the comedians material may not be to everyone’s taste but my view (like many others around) it’s simple. If you don’t like, don’t go watch.”
“Not only does Mr Vasey do stand up comedy, but he also has raised various amounts for different charities all over the UK.”
Chief executive of Sheffield City Trust, Andrew Snelling, previously said of the decision: “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.”
Sheffield City Council gave their backing and support to the Trust’s decision.
Councillor Terry Fox, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “The decision to remove Roy Chubby Brown’s show from the schedule at Sheffield City Hall was made by Sheffield City Trust, an independent charity that is not controlled by Sheffield City Council.
“We continue to support their position because, as we said at the time, we don’t feel that the nature of the show reflects our city’s values.”
Brown has had performances cancelled previously, including Middleton and Swansea which were cancelled last year.
Taking to social media, the comedian wrote a length response stating: “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 and have always had great nights there and a wonderful working relationship with the management and staff at the City Hall.
“Now in these strange times of snowflakes and political correctness it has been decided that I am no longer welcome.”
Brown’s show has an advance warning that the show is for over 18s only and advertisements say “If easily offended please stay away.”
He added: “It’s an act with one sole purpose, and that is to put a smile on people’s faces, certainly not to offend, which I’m sure all will agree is much needed in these present times.”
