A Dolly Parton-themed musical had to be suspended mid-show in Manchester because of homophobic abuse, an actor in the production has said.
Stevie Webb, who plays a superfan of the country music icon in Here You Come Again, said an incident at the Opera House last Wednesday resulted in the whole cast having to “leave the stage, because a woman was so disgusted there was a gay character”.
He wrote on TikTok that the incident last Wednesday was followed by similar trouble at the weekend when a man had to be removed from the audience.
Webb said there had also been problems during the London run of the production. He described an incident involving a man shouting an offensive slur and adding: “I just want to see Dolly Parton.”
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.”
ATG Entertainment, which runs the Manchester venue, told the BBC it took a “zero tolerance” approach to such incidents.
The Palace Theatre & Opera House said: ‘‘Our theatre team is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone – both on and off the stage.
“Whilst these incidents are rare, we have a zero-tolerance policy to bullying, harassment, or any form of abusive behaviour towards our cast, crew, or staff. Anyone engaging in such conduct will be removed from the venue immediately. Thank you to all our theatregoers who continue to act with respect and kindness towards others.”
Directed by Gabriel Barre, the musical comedy features the country music singer appear like a fairy godmother to give life lessons in song to a stricken fan.
Parton, 79, has been a longtime supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and has hosted Gay Days at her theme park, Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
In 2014, she spoke out in favour of gay marriage. “I think everyone should be with who they love,” the singer said. “I don’t want to be controversial or stir up a bunch of trouble but people are going to love who they are going to love. I think gay couples should be allowed to marry.”
