Coronation Street star Dame Maureen Lipman has issued a public challenge to actor Gerard McCarthy, inviting him for hummus and mint tea after he withdrew from a London play over her political views. McCarthy pulled out of upcoming performances of Right Before I Go at the Soho Theatre, stating on Instagram that he did not feel comfortable personally promoting Lipman due to her publicly expressed views on Israel and Palestine.
Why Gerard McCarthy Withdrew From Right Before I Go
McCarthy explained the decision to his social media followers, noting that the production highlights the raw struggles of people impacted by suicide. According to McCarthy’s Instagram statement, he previously participated in the show during its run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The actor clarified that he did not ask for Lipman’s casting to be reconsidered or expect others to share his stance. “I simply chose not to use my own platform to promote someone whose political views are at odds with my own,” McCarthy stated.
Did you know? Right Before I Go is a theatrical piece designed to bring awareness to suicide prevention by exploring the final words of people who have died by suicide.
Dame Maureen Lipman Responds to the Boycott
Writing in The Telegraph, Lipman addressed McCarthy directly and challenged him over his refusal to work alongside her. “I challenge you to meet me in an Ottolenghi branch of your choice for a hummus and mint tea. We can swap certainties about the world,” Lipman wrote.
She questioned his rejection of foundational industry values, asking why he would refuse to work with an experienced actress for the benefit of young people struggling with mental health. “We are in a business which is all about diversity. If we spit on art, we are being fascistic,” she added.
Lipman also stated that she refuses to be bullied or dictated to regarding her thoughts, branding those who step back rather than engage as “lily livered.” Reflecting on her own past, she recalled regretting a decision to refuse an event appearance alongside Margaret Thatcher due to political differences. Based on that experience, Lipman predicted that McCarthy will eventually look back on his withdrawal with regret.
Wider Context of Industry Tensions Over Israel and Palestine
The clash highlights ongoing divisions within the entertainment industry regarding the conflict in the Middle East. According to The Independent, Lipman stated in 2023 that artists should feel “shame” for supporting Palestinians in Gaza. That remark followed an Artists for Palestine UK petition signed by 2,000 individuals—including high-profile figures such as Tilda Swinton, Steve Coogan, and Miriam Margolyes—which called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
Earlier this year, amid rising violent anti-Semitic incidents in the UK, Lipman separately called for a ban on pro-Palestine marches in London, according to LBC. The tension between performers’ political activism and collaborative theatrical work continues to spark high-profile departures across the UK arts scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gerard McCarthy withdraw from Right Before I Go?
McCarthy withdrew from the Soho Theatre performances because he did not want to use his platform to promote Maureen Lipman, citing her publicly expressed views on Israel and Palestine.
What is Right Before I Go about?
The play highlights the raw struggles and lives of people impacted by suicide, presenting the final messages of those who have died.
How did Maureen Lipman respond?
Lipman responded via The Telegraph by inviting McCarthy for hummus and mint tea to debate their views, while criticizing his decision to step away from a production aimed at supporting struggling youth.
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