Mama G is a pantomime dame, Britain’s Got Talent contestant and LGBTQ+ campaigner who has been performing at libraries in Suffolk for the last seven years.
She was also set to perform at Haverhill, Stowmarket, Lowestoft and Gainsborough Library, near Ipswich, on August 12 to 14 this year.
However, she has now been told that by Suffolk Community Libraries – which are run by Suffolk County Council – that the events will be postponed until a risk assessment is carried out amid negative reactions and protests to similar events across the country.
A spokesman from Suffolk County Council referenced recent protests at libraries and children’s centres in Dundee, Reading, Cardiff, Bristol and North Walsham.
Stowmarket Library was among the four venues Mama G was set to perform at in August. (Image: Contributed)
“What I’m experiencing is definitely some sort of censorship, which is really dangerous”, said Mama G.
“Pantomime is a great British tradition and something quite uniquely British, and we should be proud of that – and proud to be ourselves.
“By cancelling this event, you’re only allowing the far-right to believe that their views are correct.
“It’s definitely part of a momentum to the right in this country at the moment, and it this is definitely politically and economically driven.
“However, I think it’s really important that events like this happen, because we need to show people that everyone has the right to exist.”
Mama G was set to perform in Haverhill, Stowmarket, Ipswich and Lowestoft. (Image: Mama G)
She has also appeared in Britain’s Got Talent and Sky TV’s Dating: No Filter. (Image: Mama G)
Mama G believes this was a “political decision” by Suffolk County Council, rather than the library service, and said that Suffolk librarians have always been “really supportive” of her.
However, Krystal Vittles, head of library service for Suffolk Community Libraries, said: “Due to extreme negative reactions to similar events in other areas, including protests and disruption, we have postponed these events and are currently carrying out an additional risk assessment.
“This is an operational decision as a precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, residents, and local communities.”Krystal Vittles, Head of Library Service for Suffolk Community Libraries. (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)
This comes after councillors gathered outside the county council’s headquarters to protest the decision to remove rainbow flags from outside its offices during Pride month, unlike in recent years.
The authority said the change to the flag policy was to reflect the traditions and values of the Suffolk community.
The policy will not promote political, social, religious, awareness, commercial interests or advocacy campaigns.
The Union and county council flags will be flown permanently, with exceptions for Suffolk Day, St Edmund’s Day, Armed Forces Day and in response to international incidents.
John Cook, Ipswich Borough councillor, for Alexandra, attended the protest and was critical of the decision.
He said: “I’ve never seen Mama G perform and cannot comment on her act.
“However the fact that she has performed at Suffolk Library venues over a number of years with positive reviews and no “far-right” protests, speaks for itself.”
John and Adele Cook joined the Pride flags at Endeavour House earlier this year. (Image: John Cook)