Roy Chubby Brown’s scheduled performance at Exmouth Pavilion has been cancelled after the Devon venue claimed the veteran comedian no longer aligns with its “long-term strategic direction”.
The 81-year-old comic, whose real name is Royston Vasey, had been due to perform at the seaside theatre on August 21 as part of his latest UK tour.
Venue management informed Roy Chubby Brown’s team of the decision in an email sent late on Friday evening, citing the organisation’s commitment to “inclusion” as a major factor behind the cancellation.
The move has sparked anger from the comedian’s representatives and reignited debate around so-called “cancel culture” in British entertainment.
Roy Chubby Brown's comedy show at Exmouth Pavilion has been cancelled
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Roy Chubby Brown has remained a divisive figure throughout his decades-long career, becoming known for his leather flying helmet, blue humour and unapologetically politically incorrect material.
Critics have frequently accused the comedian of relying on offensive jokes and outdated stereotypes, while supporters argue audiences willingly buy tickets knowing exactly what type of performance to expect.
His management expressed frustration the venue chose to cancel the booking months before the scheduled date, despite tickets already being sold.
“Cancelling a show three-and-a-half months before the actual date, when fans have bought tickets and made travel plans, was totally the wrong decision,” a spokesman for the comedian said.
The organisation’s commitment to 'inclusion' was a major factor behind the cancellation
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Discussions between Roy Chubby Brown’s representatives and theatre management reportedly failed to reverse the decision.
LED Community Leisure, the charitable trust which operates Exmouth Pavilion, defended the cancellation in a statement.
“As a public community venue, Exmouth Pavilion exists to promote culture, the arts and freedom of expression,” a spokesman said.
“We recognise that this decision will have caused disappointment and inconvenience for some, and we are sorry for that.”
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The organisation added it had a responsibility to balance artistic freedom with “inclusion, wellbeing and community cohesion”.
The latest controversy is far from the first time Roy Chubby Brown has faced pressure from venues and campaign groups over his performances.
In 2024, anti-racism organisation North Staffordshire Campaign Against Racism and Fascism urged the Mitchell Arts Centre in Stoke-on-Trent to cancel two planned shows by the comedian.
The group claimed his material was “racist, sexist, and homophobic” and argued hosting him conflicted with the values of diversity and inclusivity.
However, the theatre ultimately pressed ahead with the performances despite the backlash.
Similar rows erupted in 2022 after Lancaster City Council cancelled one of the comedian’s performances following a petition signed by just 59 people.
At the time, Roy Chubby Brown’s tour manager blasted “snowflake/woke culture”, accusing councils of ignoring the thousands of fans who continued supporting the comic’s right to perform.
Fans of the comedian quickly took to social media to share their thoughts on the Exmouth Pavilion cancellation.
Roy Chubby Brown has spoken out
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One fan commented on Facebook: "Broken Britain. Best wishes, Chubby. In the words of The Fun Boy Three, the lunatics have taken over the asylum."
Another penned: "We are becoming a Country of wet wipe fuds!"
A third said: "Freedom of speech. It’s sad when comedy is censored because of petty ‘snowflakes’. If you like Chubby’s humour, you buy a ticket, if you’re offended, you don’t. It shouldn’t be up to venue management to decide what people can watch.”
"People in that area should boycott other shows that perform there in the future. Empty seats might change their policy," said a fourth.
Campaign groups have previously tried to cancel the comedian's shows
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A fifth added: "BOYOTT THE THEATRE!"
Speaking previously to GB News, Roy Chubby Brown defended his material by insisting: “If you don’t like it, don’t come into the room.”
Despite Exmouth Pavilion withdrawing its support, another Devon venue remains committed to hosting the comedian.
Babbacombe Theatre in Torquay confirmed Roy Chubby Brown will still appear on August 20, with the venue stating it looks forward to welcoming fans from “across the region and beyond”.
The theatre also warned the performance carries a strict 16+ age restriction and may not suit those who are “easily offended”.
GB News has reached out to Exmouth Pavilion for comment.
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