Munya Chawawa reports abuse during Chichester theatre production

Comedian Munya Chawawa says performers and visitors connected with a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream faced racist, homophobic and xenophobic abuse in Chichester. The allegations have drawn attention to a contrast between the city’s growing tourism appeal and reports of hostility towards people perceived as different.

Chawawa described incidents during the company’s six-week stay, including racist abuse shouted at schoolchildren and an audience member, and a performer being pursued through the city centre. The theatre cancelled a performance on 13 October after that pursuit, saying those affected were shaken. Expedia reported that searches for Chichester had risen 30 per cent year on year, placing it among the ten fastest-growing travel destinations; the theatre said it was considering measures to protect performers.