The Manchester Opera House Performances of Here You Come Again, a Dolly Parton-inspired musical has had to be halted after allegations of homophobic abuse from the audience
An actor Stevie Webb who plays the Dolly Parton superfan in the show said that The cast walked off after a woman reacted with outrage over the presence of a gay character.
He said that a similar incident happened days later when a man had to be removed from the audience.
In a social post released earlier, the show said: “In light of homophobic comments and abuse directed at our company, the producers of Here You Come Again condemn this abhorrent behaviour in the strongest way. Individuals making such comments are not welcome at our show. They have been – and will be – ejected from the theatre immediately. We stand against all forms of prejudice and are extremely proud of the inclusivity and respect which Here You Come Again celebrates.”
Webb said the incidents had “really opened his eyes”.
“We’re in such a bubble in this industry. But travelling the country and seeing how many people literally cannot bear to see a gay person depicted on stage – it’s wild.”
