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Islington Tribune - by SIMON WROE
Published: 29 February 2008

Demonstrators objected: ‘Our religion is mocked’

Catholics protest that Fat Christ play ‘mocks God’

CHURCHGOERS picketed an Islington theatre this week in protest at a new play they say is offensive to their religion.
Angry Catholics demonstrated outside the premiere of Fat Christ at the King’s Head Theatre in Upper Street on Tuesday night.
The play is described by its producers as an “irreverent comedy” about an overweight man who earns money by posing crucified for art galleries.
Protesters thronged the entrance of the pub theatre, reciting prayers and waving placards which read “God is not mocked” and “Yet another attack on Christ our saviour.”
Protester John McAuley said: “Catholics are a persecuted minority in this country. Our religion is mocked and all we hold dear is trashed. The whole idea of this play is highly offensive to Catholics, even the poster. This protest is an example of Catholics doing their bit.”
Posters for Fat Christ have been banned from Tube stations after London Underground bosses ruled that the picture of a portly man in pink boxer shorts on a cross was “likely to offend ethnic, religious or other major groups”.
Protesters are incensed by the timing of the play – it falls in the middle of Lent, the religious festival of abstinence.
Mr McAuley said: “It is particularly offensive now, in Lent, but a poster like that would be offensive at Christmas, Easter, any time of year.”
Asked if the casting of topless model Abi Titmuss made the play any more offensive, he said he “was not familiar with Mr Titmuss’s work”.

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