AN East Lancashire theatre has said controversial comic, Jim Davidson, “will not be performing” despite tickets remaining on sale for his October gig.

Jim Davidson was set to bring his tour, Not Yet Cancelled, to the Burnley Mechanics Theatre stage on October 22.

The theatre has said he will no longer be performing but did not offer an explanation for the decision, while his agent said tickets are back on sale.

According to the show's blurb, the gig was set to offer “an evening of rip-roaring grown-up comedy”.

It said: “Despite attempts by the woke minority to cancel one of Britain’s greatest comedians, Jim Davidson OBE continues to play to capacity audiences year after year.

“Jim invites you to join him for another evening of rip-roaring grown-up comedy and join the struggle against the few who try to divide us and impose their radical sensibilities on our culture.”

After posting the blurb to social media, the theatre received some backlash for their wording.

More than 150 people spoke out about gig with some in support of the comedian and others against him.

One person wrote: “Give the man a gig by all means if you see fit, but it is not your place to judge those who find him offensive, or to call out anyone for being ‘woke’.

Another person said: “There is no such thing as 'grown-up comedy' this usually means offensive and involving bad/crude language.”

The Facebook post in question has since been deleted.  

A spokesperson for Burnley Mechanics Theatre said: “We are unable to provide you with any detail other than Jim Davidson will not be performing at Burnley Mechanics Theatre.”

Despite the comment, tickets are still available to book via the Mechanics Theatre Website and ticket prices start from £26.50.

Jim Davidson’s management has been approached for comment and said, as far as they are aware, the show is still going ahead.