Another Edinburgh Fringe venue, Banshee Labyrinth, has dropped a show fronted by Philip Simon, one of the comedians whose runs at Whistlebinkies have been cancelled.
Simon has issued the following on Facebook:
"Following on from the news that my and Aaron Levene’s long running compilation show, Jew-O-Rama, was being cancelled by Whistlebinkies due to concerns over “staff safety”, yesterday I learnt that my solo show, Shall I Compere Thee in a Funny Way? was being dropped by Banshee Labyrinth.
The reason I was given is that my ”views concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine…are in significant conflict with our venue’s stance against the current Israeli government’s policy and actions.”
Anyone who knows me will know I have never expressed support for anything other than freeing the hostages and finding a way for peace. It is sad to think that these views could conflict with anyone who wants to see a lasting peace in Gaza and Israel. As a Jewish person living in Britain it is possible, and increasingly common, to have a love for Israel without supporting the actions of the government.
I am still processing the concept that in 2025 I can be cancelled just for being Jewish. In the mean time I will still be at the Fringe for my one remaining children’s show and continue to investigate possible alternative venues for both of my cancelled shows.
I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received from so many inside and outside the comedy industry, and hope that everyone performing in Edinburgh has a productive and safe month.
For those who have suggested boycotts of the venues, I would ask fellow comics not to do anything to jeopardise your own shows, just go out there, do your thing and smash it! If you are going to Edinburgh to see shows and enjoy the comedy, please do not boycott these venues, they are hosting some incredible acts who I wouldn’t want to suffer negatively because of this."
This follows the cancellation of shows by Simon and Rachel Creeger at Whistlebinkies. More background here.
