Jerry Sadowitz show cancelled as venue says material 'not acceptable'

An Edinburgh Festival Fringe show by American-Scots comedian Jerry Sadowitz has been cancelled by organisers.

Sadowitz appeared at The Pleasance at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Friday.

He had been due to play for two nights, but the comedian said that his gig on Saturday had been cancelled.

The venue indicated that the show would not go ahead as his material “does not align with our values”.

The Pleasance Theatre Trust said that it had cancelled Sadowitz’s second and final show at the venue “with immediate effect”.

It said that “opinions such as those displayed on stage by Sadowitz are not acceptable and The Pleasance are not prepared to be associated with such material”.

The original listing for the show included a warning: “This show contains strong language and themes some may find distressing”.

Writing on Twitter on Saturday, Sadowitz wrote: “Did a show last night, 75 mins, thought it went well. Didn’t see any walkouts.

“Today I’m told my show’s been cancelled. Great stuff. I’m truly sorry for everyone who travelled to see the show tonight.”

The Pleasance has so far declined to detail which parts of the show brought about the decision to cancel Saturday’s performance.

It is understood, however, that there were audience members who attended on Friday who made complaints.

Refunds are to be issued to those who brought tickets for the Saturday show.

Anthony Alderson, director of The Pleasance, described the material as “not acceptable”.

“The Pleasance is a venue that champions freedom of speech and we do not censor comedians’ material,” he said.

“While we acknowledge that Jerry Sadowitz has often been controversial, the material presented at his first show is not acceptable and does not align with our values.

“This type of material has no place on the festival and the Pleasance will not be presenting his second and final show”