A performance by controversial comedy legend Roy Chubby Brown has been cancelled.
Brown, one of Britain’s longest-serving comedians, recognised for his adult ‘blue’ humour, has had his planned August appearance at by Exmouth Pavilion axed.
The venue has confirmed the comedian’s show has been scrapped, stating it has a responsibility to promote ‘inclusion’.
Brown says the venue informed him his act ‘no longer aligns’ with its direction. His management team told DevonLive it was a ‘hugely disappointing’ decision.
The comedian, 81, is currently touring his ‘No Offence Meant, It’s Simply Comedy’ tour, reports Devon Live.
His team said in a post: “Unfortunately the Exmouth Pavilions new management informed us late Friday night by email that they would be cancelling Roy’s planned performance Friday 21st August 2026, to cut the email short basically the explanation on the email was and I quote 1 sentence…..this show no longer aligns with the organisations long-term strategic direction.”
Exmouth Pavilion(Image: Google)
The post argues the Pavilion should have honoured the booking and not let fans down. It could then simply choose not to book Brown in future.
Cancelling a show three-and-a-half months before the actual date, when fans have purchased tickets and arranged travel plans was “totally the wrong decision”, his team say.
They have spoken to the venue but say “sadly” the decision will not be reversed. A spokesperson from LED Community Leisure said: “As a public community venue, Exmouth Pavilion exists to promote culture, the arts and freedom of expression. We recognise that this decision will have caused disappointment and inconvenience for some, and we are sorry for that.
“As a charitable operator of public spaces, LED’s role is to carefully balance artistic freedom with our responsibility to promote inclusion, wellbeing and community cohesion.”
Roy Chubby Brown, real name Royston Vasey, has been performing on the comedy circuit since the 1960s and is regarded as one of the most hardworking entertainers in showbusiness. With his distinctive leather flying helmet and goggles, his comedy has always proved divisive.
Detractors argue his humour is outdated, leaning heavily on offensive, expletive-laden, sexual material. However, supporters contend that his outspoken style is simply straightforward, working-class comedy, and not intended for the faint-hearted.
Yet while his act is considered too risqué for Exmouth, another Devon seaside town has made clear it has no intention of pulling the plug.
Supporters of Brown can still catch the performance at Torquay’s Babbacombe Theatre.
Babbacombe Theatre said: “We’re aware that a Devon venue has recently cancelled a scheduled date of Roy Chubby Brown’s show – NOT MEANT TO OFFEND, IT’S SIMPLY COMEDY this summer.
“For those who were hoping to see the show, we’re pleased to confirm that Roy will still be performing at the Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay on Thursday 20th August at 7:30pm.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond to enjoy the unique, no-holds-barred humour Roy is renowned for.
“Please note: this performance is strictly for audiences aged 16+ and may not be suitable for those who are easily offended.
“We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as high demand is expected.”