Actor Gerard McCarthy has withdrawn from the London production of Right Before I Go at Soho Theatre. His departure follows the casting of Dame Maureen Lipman, whose political views regarding Israel and Palestine prompted his exit.
A political exit at London's Soho Theatre
The casting of 80-year-old Dame Maureen Lipman at Soho Theatre has triggered a significant political rift within the London theatre community. McCarthy, a 45-year-old actor known for his work in BBC dramas such as The Fall and Call The Midwife, decided to step away from the production specifically because of Lipman's public stances on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
This incident reflects a growing trend where political affiliations are increasingly influencing casting decisions and professional associations in the arts. As the Gaza conflict continues to polarize public discourse, the theatre world is finding itself caught in the crossfire of ideological boycotts. This tension mirrors broader societal shifts where professional spaces are no longer seen as neutral ground, but as arenas for political expression and protest.
The Instagram 'likes' and McCarthy's defense
Gerard McCarthy faced intense scrutiny after he reportedly "liked" several abusive comments on Instagram directed at Dame Maureen Lipman. As the report notes,these comments included anti-Semitic insults and labels such as "vile bigot" and "morally bankrupt scumbag." One speific comment liked by the actor referred to Lipman using a derogatory slur.
When approached by the Daily Mail for comment, McCarthy attempted to clarify his social media activity. He stated that he did not intend to endorse anti-Semitic language and suggested that his "likes" were merely acknowledgments of support for his decision to leave the show, rather than an endorsement of the personal vitriol directed at Lipman. This defense attempts to separate the political act of withdrawing from the personal act of endorsing abuse, though the distinction remains a point of contention for critics.
Support from Divina de Campo versus the Campaign Against Antisemitism
The reaction to McCarthy’s withdrawal has highlighted a deep divide between individual performers and Jewish advocacy organizations. High-profile figures, including RuPaul's Drag Race star Divina de Campo and comedian Luisa Omielan, expressed support for McCarthy's decision to exit the production. For these performers, the move is seen as a matter of political principle.
Conversely, the Campaign Against Antisemitism has condemned the move, linking such actions to a broader rise in anti-Semitic incidents occurring over the past year. The group suggests that these types of political boycotts are part of a larger pattern of hostility associated with the ongoing Gaza conflict. The organization's stance emphasizes that targeting individual Jewish performers due to their perceived political views can cross the line into systemic harassment.
The question of McCarthy's true intent
Several critical aspects of this controversy remain unverified or unanswered. It is still unclear whether McCarthy's digital interactions were a genuine mistake in judgment or a deliberate attempt to signal solidarity with those using abusive language. The report does not confirm if the Soho Theatre has taken any disciplinary action or if they have issued a formal statement regarding the atmosphere surrounding the production. Additionally, it remains to be seen how the production of Right Before I Go will proceed now that the cast has been impacted by these political tensions.
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