The Soho Theatre in London has issued an apology after Jewish audience members reported feeling “unsafe” and “threatened” during a comedy gig. The incident occurred during a performance by comedian Paul Currie, who allegedly displayed a Palestinian flag and yelled “get out” at a man who objected. The theatre said it was “sorry and saddened” by the incident and enquiries are ongoing. The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that it is aware of the incident.
According to a Jewish attendee, the incident happened near the end of Mr Currie’s show after the comedian had unveiled both a Ukrainian and Palestinian flag. One member of the audience, who was later revealed to be Israeli, remained seated when Mr Currie noticed that everyone else was standing up. The man told Mr Currie he had enjoyed the show until he had taken the Palestinian flag out. Mr Currie then reportedly erupted, shouting “get out” at the man, while other members of the audience reportedly shouted “free Palestine.”
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said that he and his friends did not feel safe to continue and that they felt threatened and marginalised. He also reported the incident to a member of Soho Theatre’s staff who he believed was unsympathetic and “out of her depth.” The man recounted feeling traumatised by the experience and left wondering whether he would return to central London again.
Mr Currie has not yet responded to a request for comment. However, on his Instagram page, he recently posted footage from a pro-Palestine rally before the performance in question. His show, Shtoom, is known as a unique, surreal, dada punk-clown, non-verbal experience. He had taken the show to Edinburgh Fringe Festival last summer and is next due to perform it in Glasgow next month
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