Activists are set to protest outside a Jimmy Carr show at a Kent theatre tonight over his attendance at an Israeli embassy event.
The stand-up comic and TV star is taking to the stage at The Marlowe in Canterbury this evening and tomorrow as part of his latest tour.
However, he has drawn the ire of pro-Palestine protesters in recent months – and a group are set to make their feelings heard and hand out leaflets outside the city centre venue later today.
In May this year, the comedian attended a private event at the British Museum celebrating Israel’s Independence Day – alongside figures such as Israeli ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely, Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch and government minister Maria Eagle.
Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi, an activist and member of Folkestone Stands with Palestine, said of tonight’s protest at The Marlowe: “We’ve picked up on this one because of Carr’s recent involvement with the embassy of the state committing a genocide [Israel], which is too in your face to ignore.”
Since the Hamas terror attacks of October 8, 2023, Israel has been engaged in a military campaign in Gaza, which has killed at least 56,000 people and injured more than 130,000, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Many activists have claimed this newest phase in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict constitutes a genocide – an attempt by the Israeli state to kill or entirely drive Palestinians out of Gaza.
Ms Wimborne-Idrissi added: “I think there are many valid ways of protesting about Palestine.
“People who are attending [Carr’s shows] mainly don’t know this, and we think they should know.”
Carr, one of Britain’s most famous comedians, has faced criticism since attending the celebration of Israeli independence.
In May, during an appearance at The Podcast Show, fellow comic Nish Kumar described him as a “f****** ****” for attending an event he suggested was “reputation laundering” for the Israeli government.
One of Carr’s gigs in Warwick in the same month was also disrupted by local pro-Palestine activists.
As yet, the 52-year-old host of 8 Out Of 10 Cats has not responded to the protests.
“We’re not telling lies about people to try and get people cancelled and their careers ruined,” Ms Wimborne-Idrissi continued.
“I am one of many Jewish people who take this stance on Palestine – we find the behaviour of the Israeli state, claiming to act for and in protection of Jews, abhorrent.”
A leaflet to be handed out by activists at tonight’s gig says Carr “does not deserve to be given a platform at the Marlowe or any other theatre” having taken part in an event to “entertain representatives of Israel”.
An email to The Marlowe’s management by activists criticising the decision to host the comedian has been endorsed by 35 people, including local activists, academics and theatre-goers.
KentOnline has approached Carr’s agents and The Marlowe for comment.
