Campaign to shut down comedy show

Animal rights campaigners are trying to shut down a comedy show titled Sex with Animals claiming it is nothing more than 'gay bestiality propaganda'.

A protestor George Gilbert has demanded North London fringe venue The Hope Theatre drop New York comedian Ryan Good's show, claiming the title alone carries a 'shameful, subliminal' message.

And he has attracted 2,000 signatures to two online petitions calling for the show to be axed.

In the petition, he takes issue with the promotional blurb for the show which promises to cover subjects 'from bonobo chimps to Brooklyn sex parties, gay penguins, to failed first gay sex...' and claims that 'we are all animals'.

Gilbert, who says he is from 'the advocates of animal welfare' claims this is 'a well-framed message from an unidentified group of men with homosexual, bestiality or zoophilia tendencies - to promote gay sex parties and to blur the boundaries between human and animal sexuality.'

'Their message simultaneously targets gay people and encourages them to abuse and sexually exploit animals,' he claims.

Although Gilbert himself made a connection from bestiality to homosexuality he admits that it would be 'disgraceful and profoundly insulting' to link the two.

The petition calls on everyone involved in the play to be held accountable for the perceived message, demands that they 'publicly clarify their own sexual preferences' and demands an investigation into whether any animals in their personal care are in danger of abuse or sexual exploitation.

Although provocatively titled, the show is a mix of Good's own sexual adventures, and stories of odd mating behaviour from the animal campaign.

In response Good, who is bisexual, said: 'I want to state unequivocally that the content of the show nor anyone involved in its creation or production is in support of harm to animals in any way whatsoever.

'Quite contrary to the message Mr. Gilbert believes is present in the show, the topics discussed in this work are actually simply a comparison study of animal behaviour vs. human behaviour in the ways of sexuality and love.

'The work's primary themes celebrate animal behaviour as natural and beautiful and something that we might model our own behaviours after. The line Mr. Gilbert refers to in our press materials which reads "we are all animals" is a summation of that exact point.

'I am particularly and personally hurt by Mr. Gilbert's accusation of the work as "gay bestiality propaganda". As someone who is an active part of the LGBT community, it makes me very sad that someone would jump to this conclusion when I myself have had to face unfair hatred and aggression because of my life choices.

'I would point Mr. Gilbert and any interested parties to examine the findings of the reviews of the show. You will notice that not a single one mentions any reference to bestiality in the show. Perhaps that will serve as the best objective assessment of the show's content. '

Good also invited him to attend the show – which ends its month-long run on Friday in any case – to have a discussion afterwards.

Here is Chortle's review of the show, which will also be playing the Underbelly at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

Published: 16 Jun 2014