Cambridge City Council has issued the following statement regarding comedian Jimmy Carr's upcoming appearance at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. 

"THE management team of comedian, Jimmy Carr, has assured the city council that none of the content from the Netflix showing of ‘His Dark Material’ will be used in the Corn Exchange show when he appears there this week.

His UK and Ireland tour has booked the Corn Exchange on 16 February and 30 March. The appearances were rescheduled after the original dates were cancelled due to the pandemic and both dates were contractually agreed before comments made by Jimmy Carr in ‘His Dark Material’ in relation to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community.

Cllr Anna Smith, Leader of Cambridge City Council and Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “I share the outrage felt by so many in Cambridge and beyond, regarding these unacceptable remarks. 

“As a council, we are committed to working with and supporting marginalized communities, including our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. That is affirmed in our city’s equality pledge, which states our belief in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity.”

At Wednesday’s show, the Corn Exchange will be illuminated both as a mark of solidarity with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and in remembrance of the victims of the Porrajmos.  We will distribute informative leaflets about historic and current racism towards Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people (who are amongst some of the most discriminated against groups in the UK) at the venue."

Jimmy Carr released his third Netflix special, His Dark Material, on December 25th.

In it he finds humour in the darkest of places. At the time the release was announced Jimmy Carr said: “the joke that ends my career, I’ve already told it, so there’s no point stopping now.”

Jimmy Carr picture: C4