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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Ross Hunter

Second venue refuses to host Graham Linehan comedy show in Edinburgh

THE organisers of a previously cancelled comedy gig in Edinburgh have claimed that a second venue has also refused to host the show.

Originally, Leith Arches was scheduled to accommodate the Comedy Unleashed show.

However, after organisers announced that the “surprise famous cancelled comedian” on the line-up was none other than anti-trans comedian Graham Linehan, the venue said it would not allow him to “violate” their space.



Linehan has previously been criticised for his opinions on transgender people.

Earlier this year, he said that gender identity was a "paedophilic movement" and claimed that "almost every central trans figure is a nonce".

Following the cancellation various figures leapt to Linehan’s defence, including SNP MP Joanna Cherry who said the move looked “like a pretty clear case of belief discrimination”.

Linehan then threatened legal action against Leith Arches if they refused to host him. 

Comedy Unleashed later claimed to have found a replacement venue willing to host the show with the Irish writer of Father Ted remaining on the line-up.



However, just hours before the gig was due to begin on Thursday evening, organisers announced on X/Twitter that a third location had to be found.

They said: “Our replacement venue has cancelled on us too, but we’re still going ahead tonight at 7.30!

“Ticket holders have been emailed with the new location”.

It is not known which venue cancelled the event.

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