Overview
- In early September, Gerard McCarthy and Iz Hesketh each withdrew from the Soho Theatre transfer of Right Before I Go, saying they could not promote or share a stage with Dame Maureen Lipman because of public comments she has made about Israel and Palestine.
- Lipman publicly criticised McCarthy’s decision as “cowardly” and accused him of virtue signalling while offering to meet him to discuss his concerns.
- After announcing his exit, McCarthy was reported to have 'liked' abusive and anti‑Semitic comments on his Instagram post and later said he regretted appearing to endorse that language and removed the likes.
- Soho Theatre still plans to stage Right Before I Go from September 5–10 with Lipman scheduled for the final performance on September 10, when each show will be followed by a mental‑health discussion.
- The dispute follows previous protests and security concerns around Lipman and adds to a wider split in the UK arts sector over whether performers’ political views should affect casting, workplace safety, and public promotion of shows.