A comedy show about the Bible has been pulled following pressure from Christian groups.

Two performances of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (Abridged) scheduled for next week at a theatre on the outskirts of Belfast have been cancelled after politicians called it ‘blasphemous;

Theatre At The Mill is run by Newtownabbey Borough Council, whose ‘artistic board’ have ruled the show from the Reduced Shakespeare Company should not go ahead.

The unionist-dominated council said the decision was taken ‘with great regret’ but gave no reason for its thinking other than meaningless bureaucrat-speak.

The council added that so for about 150 of the 800 seats had been sold, and that cancelling the shows would cost it around £2,000.

Democratic Unionist councillor Billy Ball had previously called for the play to be banned, saying: ‘For Christians, the Bible is the infallible word of God and it's not something to be made fun of. These people are treating something sacred with irreverence and disrespect.’

And in a letter sent to the council, Rev Brian McClung of Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church, said: 'This particular production mocks the Bible and lifts up to ridicule, derision and scorn that which we hold in reverence. What makes this production even more offensive is that it is a parody of the truth contained in the Bible. To poke fun at that which we hold in high esteem and regard is grieving to us all.'

Before the cancellation, producer Dave Naylor had said: ‘Maybe Councillor Ball should come and see our show before denouncing it as unholy. But he'd better be quick as all his comments have done is increase ticket sales.’

Austin Tichenor, co-authors of the show, said: ‘Our script celebrates the Bible. I disagree with how many churches interpret it but have never once called for them to be censored.’

The show had previously faced accessions of being blasphemous in the Republic of Ireland. Members of the Irish Supreme Court attended a performance in Dublin and concluded: ‘It's not blasphemous; it's just juvenile’ – a quote the troupe have used on their publicity ever since.

They also claim a minister front he Church of Scotland once told them the show as ‘better than the book’.

The theatre tweeted this morning: ‘Show The Bible: The Complete Word of God (Abridged) has been cancelled Apolgoises for any inconvience [sic] Call BoxOffice for refund.’ They have not yet replied to Chortle's request for further comment.

DUP-controlled councils have perviously banned Monty Python's Life of Brian, and in their pointless statement, Newtownabbey Borough Council said: ‘In taking this decision, the board wishes to confirm its commitment to deliver on the agreed council's artistic policy to deliver the highest quality performing arts programme, offering a diverse, socially relevant and enriching experience to as many citizens as possible.’

Here’s a trailer for the show:

Published: 23 Jan 2014