Philip Simon and Rachel Creeger were only told last week that they "were no longer welcome"

This week it was revealed that two comedians have had their acts pulled last minute from Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Rachel Creeger and Philip Simon were due to perform at Whistlebinkies with their long-standing shows, Ultimate Jewish Mother (Creeger) and Jew-O-Rama (Simon), both of which have been held at the same venue for the past few years.

In a press release from the comedians, it states that staff at the venue had complained of feeling “unsafe” at the thought of additional security measures due to ongoing concerns over threats to Jewish acts. The venue has also alleged that last year staff had to clean anti-Israel graffiti in the toilets. “We don’t recognise the complaints being made by the bar staff,” said Creeger. “No incidents occurred during our shows last year and we did not witness any targeted graffiti.”

Creeger said they were made to feel they “were no longer welcome” when informed on Friday 12 July they could no longer perform – just two weeks before the Fringe begins on 1 August. This is despite the fact the issue was apparently raised in May, as Luke Meredith, CEO of the PBH Free Fringe (host of Creeger and Simon’s shows) told Chortle. “I thought at the time, having explained that the police were only taking precautions and no actual threats had been made, that the matter had been resolved.”

At such short notice, it'll be next to impossible for Creeger and Simon to find new venues, which will be a huge financial blow to the artists. Last year The Scotsman reported that it can cost anywhere between £1,000, to perform in a pub, to £25,000 for a theatre, at the festival – and that's before accommodation fees. “Not only has this cost money and taken a huge amount of time,” said Simon, “but more than that, it's hurtful. Instead of reassuring the bar staff who raised concerns, the solution was to remove the Jews from the bill.”

*Whistlebinkies, Edinburgh © Brian McNeil*

In the wake of this news, Simon announced yesterday that another of his shows, Shall I Compere Thee in a Funny Way?, has also been cancelled. It was due to run at Banshee Labyrinth, but the venue has stated that the comedian’s “views concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine … are in significant conflict with our venue’s stance against the current Israeli government’s policy and actions”. Taking to Facebook, Simon wrote: “I have never expressed support for anything other than freeing the hostages and finding a way for peace. It is sad to think that these views could conflict with anyone who wants to see lasting peace in Gaza and Israel. As a Jewish person living in Britain it is possible, and increasingly common, to have a love for Israel without supporting the actions of the government.”

Undoubtedly these decisions will breed fear amongst other Jewish acts. Henry Churney, whose faith is also highlighted in the title of one of his two sets, Life Lessons from a Jewish Grandfather, told us that “this makes us Jews at Edinburgh a little bit more fearful of what can happen. I'm trying not to worry about my show, but as a proud Jew I’m making a stand and pushing forward.”

New Jersey Jewish comic Leslie Gold, whose show Tall Girl Energy runs at The Counting House, said: “The reason Whistlebinkies gave just doesn't stand up to logic. Both shows have been hosted there before, so the staff should be aware neither is political in nature. Rachel's show is full of positivity and light, while Jew-O-Rama is a lighthearted comedy compilation that platforms Jewish and non-Jewish comedians. Both foster open interfaith conversation – what could be needed more in today's world?”

Usually venues highlight cancellations on their social media or websites, especially this close to showtime, but there has been nothing announced by Whistlebinkies or Edinburgh Festival Fringe (or Banshee Labyrinth for that matter). Instead they silently, and without notice, pulled the listings from the website. We contacted the venue and Bruce Group Scotland, who manage it, but both declined to respond.

For now, the search for a new venue continues for the comedians. “It's unlikely they'll be able to find somewhere for all the same dates and times,” said Gold. “And what about reprinting posters and flyers? It's a logistical nightmare, and a costly one, and their only crime is performing while Jewish.”

By Danielle Goldstein

Philip Simon’s children’s show School’s Out Comedy Club (1-17 Aug) will still go ahead.