Creeger and Simon had been working with the CST to ensure their safety at the festival, which faced controversy last year when a Jewish couple was booed out of another comedy show. Their performances were the only two shows booked at the venue with the word “Jew” in the title.
Philip Simon told the JC “I’m still a little bit in shock that it’s happened to me. All of a sudden, I feel like I have to be the face of a fight I never signed up for.”[Missing Credit]
Speaking to the JC, the comedians explained that – at Whistlebinkies’ request – they had connected the venue with the Jewish security charity to discuss safety precautions.
But on Friday, Creeger received a call informing her that the venue was no longer happy for the shows to go ahead due to staff concerns about safety.
Staff also allegedly claimed that a “vigil” had been held for IDF soldiers during last year’s performances. This was later retracted by the venue after the performers disputed it.
Neither Creeger’s nor Simon’s shows are political, and neither discusses Israel or Gaza.
Simon, who has hosted Jew-O-Rama for nine years – five of them at Whistlebinkies – said, “My show is a Jewish compilation show where we have a rolling line-up of Jewish and non-Jewish comedians. We had no politics.”
Creeger, who has performed at Whistlebinkies for the past two years, said, “My show is about the idea that all mums are the same. It ends with wishing for peace for everyone. It is a lovely warm hug of a show.”
[Missing Credit]
According to the comedians, the venue also claimed that staff regularly had to paint over “Free Palestine” graffiti left on the toilet doors by anti-Israel protesters.
But Creeger said: “We don’t find ‘Free Palestine’ to be a threat to the venue or to us as Jewish performers. It’s a common thing to see in places. It’s people’s political statement. It certainly didn’t say anything like ‘Free Palestine and also get your two Jewish shows out or we’ll do X or Y to your venue.’
“Sadly, this is part of an ongoing problem faced by Jewish performers in this country. We are being cancelled and often silently boycotted,” she added.
Simon told the JC: “This would not happen to any other ethnic minority. There would be absolute outrage. The venue would be boycotted, shut down, never allowed to trade.
“That’s not what we’re calling for in the least, but there is no logic as to why this year is the year they have decided [to cancel us].”
Simon added: “I think people have perhaps got braver in what they feel they can say against Israel. Our shows are not about Israel. They happen to be run by two Jews. There is no logic to me as to why this has happened this year.”
The comedian went on, “It is hurtful that instead of reassuring the young bar staff who raised concerns, the solution was to remove the Jews from the bill. This is emblematic of the problem facing Jewish artists and performers in the UK today.”
Both performers said their relationship with the venue had been positive until the cancellation. “This feels like a huge betrayal by a space where we had always felt safe and supported,” Creeger said.
They are now trying to find new spaces to host their shows.
Simon said: “I've got 80 slots at Jew-O-Rama that I needed to let the acts know they are not doing any more. They could then go off and find other shows – but also if we do find another venue at a different time, I’ll obviously try and get them back.”
He said the “emotional turmoil” was challenging.
Creeger said: “We haven’t slept.” She is now trying to recoup the income she had expected to earn during the festival. “The Fringe is effectively our trade fair – it’s where we showcase our work.
"With the Fringe launching next week, this has made it nearly impossible to find new venues for the month, and we depend on performing for our livelihoods,” Creeger said.
She described herself as “shocked” and “destabilised” by the decision.
Simon added: “I’m still a little bit in shock that it’s happened to me. I’ve been quite naive over the past few years. When I’m on stage, I don’t usually speak openly about being Jewish… and now, all of a sudden, I feel like I have to be the face of a fight I never signed up for.”
Simon is also bringing another show to the Fringe, Shall I Compere Thee in a Funny Way?, which is still scheduled to go ahead.
The pair also host a podcast together called Jew Talkin' To Me?
Following the publication of the story, PBH Free Fringe, told the JC: “These are good shows which we have been happy to book and host in the past. We are doing what we can to help.
“We have offered what alternatives we can, none of which has so far proved satisfactory to the performers. We have asked all our members to assist.”
Whistlebinkies has been approached for comment.
