Christians Plan Protest against Springer Show in Glasgow

|TOP|Christians are planning to come out to protest against Jerry Springer: The Opera when it opens in Glasgow next week.

The controversial play has offended Christians across the country since its debut five years ago for its depictions of God and Jesus Christ, with many calling the play’s Christian references blasphemous.

The protest will kick off on the opening night of the show next Monday night and will be attended by numerous prominent Christians, including Rev. George Hargreaves, leader of the Scottish Christian Party, reports the Scottish Herald.

The Glasgow campaign will be spearheaded by Bob Handyside, a local Christian, who criticised the play for its biased disregard of the Christian faith.

“Christianity is a whipping boy, and obscenities like this, which are absolutely shocking, just seem to be expected," he said.

|AD|"You would never get away with this if you were ranting about Islam. Glasgow City Council would be attacked and there would be Muslims complaining to everyone."

Cameron Duncan, spokesman for the King’s Theatre, said: “We've looked at other theatres where the shows played and we'll take a view on how to deal with things nearer the time. They're generally a well-behaved group, and entitled to have their say. “

Eleven venues across the country cancelled their run of the show following demonstrations led by Christian Voice.

"It's a very topical show and is both entertaining and provoking. Obviously some people will take issue with the subjects raised in it but sales have been alright and we are looking forward to opening night."

A website for the anti-Springer opera campaign, www.stopspringer.com, is calling for Christians to write to Prince Edward, patron of the Glasgow theatre, voicing their concerns for the musical, which also portrays lesbian dwarves, tap-dancing Ku Klux Klansmen, adulterous bisexuals and overweight pole-dancers.

The website states, “It’s time for Prince Edward to stand up for Jesus Christ.”

The protest organisers are hoping that many local churches will get involved with the campaign by encouraging their congregation to express their concerns over the play.

The tour is due to continue to Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre after the Glasgow week-long run. The Aberdeen theatre is also facing criticism for going ahead with the run of the show.