Graffiti appears ahead of Katie Hopkins performance at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre
Graffiti has been sprayed outside a theatre where controversial performer Katie Hopkins is due to appear tonight (Wednesday).
Her Batsh*t Bonkers Britain Tour will arrive at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre this evening for a three-night run.
“Bigots this way”, “racists welcome here” and “bigotry is lols” are among the phrases which have been daubed across the pavement in Broad Street this morning.
It isn’t the first time Katie’s appearance in the town has sparked outrage.
In 2022 more than 500 people signed a petition entitled 'Katie Hopkins is not welcome in Stamford' claiming that hate speech should not be encouraged or profited from.
At the time theatre manager Judith Mackie defended the booking, stating that the venue has to put on a wide variety of shows that appeal to as wide a demographic as possible.
Today she said: “We were devastated to see such a mess outside the theatre and on our property. What sacrilege to deface an historic building built in 1857, which has been so lovingly restored by relentless fundraising and hard work from our volunteers.
“Until this point we have had no problems from unorthodox behaviour. This is the third year in a row we have hosted Katie’s comedy show. We have turned hundreds of people away from her shows due to sold out performances.
“We have CCTV footage of the person committing criminal damage. Whilst we are disappointed in the damage caused, we shall be running the shows as normal.
“We are grateful for the excellent service from the council in coming out to clean the street and steps so speedily.”
All of Katie’s performances in Stamford this week have sold out.
Promotional material for the show says: “Katie’s daily ‘Batsh*t Bonkers’ briefing is now the most trusted source of news for those wanting a speedy update on what’s actually going on, with a side order of snark and laughter. Whether it’s poking fun at sickly sweet celebrities, sticking two fingers up at hypocrites in charge, or tearing herself a new one, Katie is unapologetically bold. This is a laugh out loud escape for all the adults in your family.”
Katie said: “For almost 20 years in the public eye I have stayed true to my beliefs. I am beyond thrilled to have a platform on which to shine a light about the things that matter to regular people in the UK. I have no paymaster and no one to please. I’m here telling it like it is because I really want people to know they are not alone. Being a part of this tour is not about me; it’s about knowing you belong. And together we will laugh hard at the insanity that surrounds.”
Katie became a household name after appearing on the third series of The Apprentice in 2007. She went on to become a newspaper columnist and political commentator.
What do you think about the tour coming to Stamford? Let us know in the comments below.
