Dame Maureen Lipman, an 80‑year‑old Jewish actress, says she had to employ personal security after a campaign by pro‑Palestine activists targeted her new stage show , "Allegra." She blames Labour’s perceived inaction on anti‑Semitism for the hostile environment that led to the decision.

Pro‑Palestine Petition and Doctored Posters Spark Boycott

The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) circulated a petition urging theatres to drop Lipman from "Allegra," accusing her of supporting Israel. Activists posted a manipulated image of Lipman with horns and a trident on Facebook, prompting the actress to describe the material as "anti‑Semitic caricature." According to the source, the poster was part of a broader effort to pressure venues, including a show in Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre from May 26‑30.

Police Scotland Classifies Image as Non‑Crime Hate Incident

Police Scotland logged the Facebook photograph as a non‑crime hate incident, despite the 2024 Hate Crime Act that created offences for "stirring up hatred." Timothy Lovat, chairman of the Jewish Council of Scotland , reported the image and said the force showed "reluctance" to charge the perpetrators.. He told the press that a meeting with the Chief Constable confirmed the decision, sparking backlash from the Jewish community.

Government Funding and Statements on Rising Anti‑Semitism

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced a record £58 million investment in protective security for the Jewish community, describing the surge in anti‑Jewish hatred as "intolerable." Lipman echoed this concern, comparing current anti‑Semitism levels to the 1933 pogroms in Nazi Germany after two stabbings of Jewish men in Golders Green, London.

Unanswered Questions About Labour’s Role

While Lipman attributes the hostility to Labour’s inaction, the source does not provide a direct response from Labour officials. It remains unclear whether the party has formally addressed the specific incidents surrounding Lipman’s play or the broader accusations of anti‑Semitism within its ranks.

Impact on "Allegra" Tour and Public Reaction

Despite the controversy, "Allegra" continued its tour, with Lipman performing in Aberdeen and receiving a curtain‑call on May 26, 2023, at The Ambassadors Theatre. Audience members and supporters have expressed solidarity, but the episode has heightened public debate over free speech, protest tactics, and the safety of Jewish public figures in the UK.