Theatregoer removed after 'homophobic comment'

A theatre has said it was forced to remove an audience member from its venue after a homophobic comment was shouted during a play.

Liverpool's Royal Court said the incident happened during a performance of The Peaceful Hour on Saturday.

Posting on Instagram, the venue said the audience member was "removed from the building and has been banned from the theatre", with the incident also reported to police.

"Offensive, hateful language is unacceptable and has no place in the Royal Court, Liverpool or wider society," the theatre said.

The venue went on to say that it supported its cast, crew, audience and staff, adding it was "saddened that they had to hear such offensive language".

"It is important that we foster spaces where respect and acceptance prevail. We believe in inclusivity and embrace diversity, we encourage those around us to do the same," the theatre said.

It said in the Instagram post that "anyone found to be using offensive language including homophobic comments will be ejected from the theatre and banned from future performances".

"We all deserve to feel safe, respected, and valued, regardless who we love or how we identify. We are against hate and actively support environments that support all people," Liverpool's Royal Court said.

The Peaceful Hour is set in 1980s Kirkby and follows the relationship of Julie from Kirkby and Tim, an anthropology student from the Cotswolds.

Written by Gerry Linford, the playwright behind Yellow Breck Road and Haunted Scouse, the show explores "true love, real life and cheesy love songs".

The incident comes after a Dolly Parton-themed musical had to be suspended mid-show when homophobic abuse was hurled at the stage.

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