Do you think it’s right to cancel controversial comedians? Surely if audiences don’t like the act they’ll not buy tickets - achieving the same result.

@SunshineGirl I missed that instance. I just mean in general. What moral and acceptable is subjective, so who is qualified to decide.

It seems to me only the paying audience and their word of mouth have that power.

@Ceinwyn Art has to follow the rules of capitalism unfortunately

@Ceinwyn In general I wish universities would not cancel controversial speeches or acts that they originally felt were worth giving space to (although I respect the democratic right of students and staff to object). But I don't think there is much you can do sbout the private sector. Gone are the days of the northern comedy circuit. Theatres have to appeal to a wider constituency.

@SunshineGirl So I guess a controversial venue solely for the more tongue in cheek acts could be a money spinner

@Ceinwyn Not sure that it will ever be more than fringe/student entertainment these days.

@SunshineGirl I dunno. I could name a few comedians who are constantly under threat of cancelling but sell thousands of tickets and have their own DVDs

@Ceinwyn Private subscription is oxygen and an outlet they would not have had in the past. There are a number of alternative comedians I like who rarely get the theatre space I think they merit . . my wife says this is simply because they are not funny! But I can support them online. Female artists as well who find it very difficult to break into the main stream.

@Ceinwyn I used to like this Billy Connelly skit about "53 Virgins" on Youtube; I can't find it anymore and I bet it is because of censorship.