This week the controversial stage show Jerry Springer – The Opera begins with theatres across the country now bracing themselves for large protests during the nationwide tour.
Local organisation Action Group has already planned a protest outside the Plymouth Theatre Royal and up to 50 people are expected to turn out to voice their concerns.Jerry Springer – The Opera was broadcast on BBC television last year and received 55,000 complaints and saw crowds protest outside the BBC.
The 20-city, five-month tour will begin in Plymouth, Devon on Friday after a turbulent period where it was questionable whether the tour would go ahead.
A spokesperson for the Plymouth theatre said there is planned to be extra security on the opening night of the tour. The BBC reported her as saying, “We are aware that there are people out there who aren't particularly happy with the fact that we have Jerry Springer. We have got more people who will be present front-of-house to ensure that there are no problems with people who want to come in and see the production and make sure they can gain access.”
Previously, one third of the venues had backed down on plans to show the musical after receiving threats of protests by religious pressure group Christian Voice, according to Manchester Online.
A BBC executive was forced into hiding after receiving a death threat and many regional theatres feared the similar treatment, according to Independent.The Independent newspaper reported that Stephen Green, the national director of Christian Voice, has announced the organisation's intention to prosecute any venue that shows the Jerry Springer show.
But theatres have joined forces and a deal was agreed upon with the producers, Avalon despite threats of protests. The Independent newspaper has reported that Stuart Griffiths, the chief executive of the Birmingham Hippodrome, said that the tour venues were "absolutely keen" it should go ahead.
But the Bishop of Manchester, the Right Rev Nigel McCulloch, who described the TV broadcast of the musical as “gratuitously offensive” said he has no problem with the show coming to the city.
He said there was a “big difference” of issues because people could choose whether to buy a ticket, according to Manchester Online. "This production has been on stage before and there is a big difference between something on the television and the stage.
"I have no great concern about what goes on on-stage because people can make their own decision to pay to go. That is quite different from something being beamed into someone's home."
Bishop McCulloch said people had a right to “peaceful protest” but warned that violence or threats of violence are not acceptable.
He said, "I want to distance myself completely from the kind of thing that happened after the televised performance when the lives of people were threatened.
"That is reprehensible and has nothing to do with any Christian concern."
