Jewish spectators ‘hounded out’ of London comedy show

‘We take this very seriously and are looking into the detail of what happened as thoroughly as we can’

A JEWISH audience member has said he felt “hounded out” of a West End comedy show after a row over the Palestinian flag.

Soho Theatre is investigating an alleged incident during comedian Paul Currie’s stand-up gig at the London venue.

Mr Currie produced a Palestinian flag during the show, after which a row is said to have broken out.

Liahav Eitan said he left the venue as the theatre erupted in chants of “free Palestine”.

Soho Theatre said it is investigating an incident on Feb 10, stating: “We are sorry and saddened by an incident that took place at our venue at the end of a performance of Paul Currie: Shtoom on Saturday 10 February which has caused upset and hurt to members of the audience attending and others.

“We take this very seriously and are looking into the detail of what happened as thoroughly, as sensitively, and as quickly as we can. It is important to us that Soho Theatre is a welcoming and inclusive place for all.”

Mr Currie’s absurdist shows typically involve props produced from a box on stage, including a Ukrainian and Palestine flag towards the end of the onehour show, it was reported.

The comedian is said to have orchestrated his own standing ovation. However, Mr Eitan and his friend did not stand. Mr Eitan told the Daily Mail: “From the audience, we were mostly scared. We wanted to get out of the situation. It seemed like a bit of a mob mentality that could go sour any second.” The Campaign Against Anti-semitism said it was in contact with several people who have complained to Soho Theatre about the incident.

A spokesman for the group said: “What the Jewish audience members have recounted is atrocious.”

Paul Currie’s show stand-up comedy show Shtoom ran from Feb 8 to Feb 10. Mr Currie was contacted for comment.

A Met Police spokesperson said a report had been submitted to police and inquiries were ongoing.