Benny Hill fun run axed over ‘sexism’ complaints

A BENNY Hill-style “frisky fun run” due to take place in a Cardiff park this weekend has been cancelled after it was slammed on social media for being “sexist”.

Chapter Arts Centre in Canton announced it would be staging the risque event in nearby Thompson Park tomorrow morning to publicise the upcoming world premiere of a production it is coproducing about the 1970s comic’s life and times.

The run aimed to recreate the notorious sped up sequences from The Benny Hill Show which saw the comedian chased around by women (usually in varying states of undress) to the tune of Yakkety Sax.

Participants daring to dress up on the day would have won an invite to attend dress rehearsals of the upcoming stage show before its premiere.

However, the announcement on Facebook led to a very mixed response, with many angrily speaking out against the idea as “behind the times” and “demeaning to women”.

And, yesterday, Chapter announced it had decided to cancel its plans in light of the outcry.

“The production that plays here in September is not a celebration of or a tribute to Benny Hill and his life and work – it is an analysis of it and an exploration of how someone, whose career burned so brightly, was able to fall so quickly,” read a statement.

“It looks at how what one man thought acceptable eventually destroyed him, and the purpose of the Frisky Fun Run was to raise awareness for that production.

“We were inviting men and women alike to dress up in fancy dress – wearing whatever they would like – to simply have a bit of fun.

“That said, we accept there is also a more serious side to this, and with that in mind we have realised that an isolated event like this is sending out the wrong message and is not a true reflection of the drama.”

Chapter added that it would also be hosting Q&A sessions around the performance to discuss Benny Hill’s work and whether his overriding legacy is one of “mirth or misogyny”.

Benny is due to be staged at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff from September 6 to 9. Tickets are £13 and £11. Call 029 2030 4400.