Comic’s late pullout angers fans
FANS of Jim Davidson were left angered after the controversial comedian cancelled his Southport show at less than one hour’s notice.
The one-time host of TV shows Big Break and Generation Game was due to appear at Southport Waterfront on Sunday as part of his ‘The People Fight Back’ tour, only to pull out at the 11th hour.
A spokesman for Southport Theatre apologised to fans for the cancellation, which was described as being for ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
But long-standing fans of Davidson, 65, were left angered at the lack of notice given and that he was said to already be inside the building.
Posting on Facebook, Andrea Martin said: “Big thanks goes to Jim Davidson for cancelling his show tonight at Southport because he didn’t like the look of the place. Boo hoo to him! My mam and dad have travelled down to see you as a ‘treat’ as their holiday last month was a washout due to weather and illness! Absolute disgrace of a man letting a theatre load of people down due to his own arrogance!”
June Law posted: “There are people here in the audience who also bought tickets for your show who tried to engage in conversation with you in the theatre who you were incredibly rude to. Why Jim. Why?”
Mr Davidson has cancelled gigs at short notice on several occasions, notably in Plymouth in 2003 when he later admitted the reason was that there were too many wheelchair users in the front row.
After asking for some of the disabled fans to be moved, he pulled out and said that as much of his routine involved making fun of the front row, he feared that “it would appear I was specifically targeting disabled people”.
The Southport Theatre spokesman said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances Jim Davidson will not be performing tonight in the Floral Hall Ballroom. Full refunds will be given.”
A representative for Mr Davidson did not respond to a request for comment.