Theatre cancels Reginald D Hunter show after antisemitism claims

Campaign Against Antisemitism said on social media that the comments were “extremely concerning” and that comedians should “have a responsibility to their audience”.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said the force was “reviewing the circumstances” of the incident.

In February, the comedian Paul Currie unveiled a Palestine flag during his show and became embroiled in a row with an audience member, telling the man to leave immediately.

More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Israeli campaign in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

The Israeli offensive came after Hamas-led gunmen killed about 1,200 people in an attack on Israel on 7 October, capturing 251 others as hostages.

BBC Journalist James Cheyne, who attended the Thursday night show, said the joke was “just one of many” things in the show which people might have taken offence at.

“Reginald D Hunter used the N word, the C word, and made cracks about Rolf Harris and Jimmy Savile too.

“It was in many ways common fare for a late night comedy gig at the Edinburgh Fringe, but the controversy his comments have caused was ever present in the room too.

“The comedian addressed it multiple times, opening with the words ‘I wondered if anybody was coming’ and adding ‘It’s been quite a week.’

“He said some people would come to his shows seeking to be offended and told them not to worry, promising “there is something for everybody.”

“The venue was mostly full, the crowd was supportive, laughing, clapping and cheering.

“One audience member shouted out “I’m Jewish and I love the joke” when he told it.