A theatre has cancelled a show by the comedian Roy 'Chubby' Brown because it does not promote 'inclusion'.

The 81-year-old comic, whose real name is Royston Vasey, was set to perform at Exmouth Pavilion in Devon on August 21 as part of his No Offence Meant tour.

But he announced on Tuesday that the theatre had informed him that the show 'no longer aligns with the organisation's long-term strategic direction'.

Vasey's tour posters warn 'those easily offended, please stay away' and that only people aged over 18 should attend.

Last month, Exmouth Pavilion's official Facebook page advertised the performance, stating: 'This is an adult comedy and not intended to offend'.

The comedian, who has been banned from performing several times for the nature of his content, issued a statement on his official social media page in response to the decision.

The statement read: 'Unfortunately, the Exmouth Pavilion's new management informed us late Friday night by email that they would be cancelling Roy's planned performance. 

'To cut the email short, the explanation on the email was, and I quote one sentence, 'This show no longer aligns with the organisation's long-term strategic direction'.

'Make of that what you will, and I think you can guess what my opinion is, but let's not go over old ground again.

'One thing I will just say, and this is totally my opinion, and you may or may not agree, but as an individual, you have a personal right to decide for yourself.

'Wouldn't the sensible thing, if the new management has an issue for any reason with the Chubby show, have been to honour the contracted booking and let the show go ahead?'

He also criticised the seafront theatre for 'cancelling a show three-and-a-half months before the actual date when fans have bought tickets and probably made travel plans', claiming this was 'totally the wrong decision'.

'I have since talked to one of the theatre management to try and make sense of the situation and, although obvious to say we see it totally differently would be an understatement, sadly the decision will not be reversed,' he added.

A spokesman from LED Community Leisure, which runs the pavilion, said: 'As a public community venue, Exmouth Pavilion exists to promote culture, the arts and freedom of expression.

'We recognise that this decision will have caused disappointment and inconvenience for some, and we are sorry for that.

'As a charitable operator of public spaces, LED's role is to carefully balance artistic freedom with our responsibility to promote inclusion, wellbeing and community cohesion.'

Vasey has been working the comedy circuit since the 1960s and is known as one of the hardest-working performers in show business. 

With his trademark leather flying helmet and goggles, his comedy has always divided opinion.

Critics say his humour is outdated, relying on offensive, expletive-ridden, sexual material. But fans say the outspoken delivery is simply comedy with a working-class honesty, and not for the easily offended.

But while his act is deemed too crude for Exmouth, another Devon seaside town says it has no plans to cancel.

Fans of Brown can still catch the show at Torquay's Babbacombe Theatre.

Babbacombe Theatre said: 'We're aware that a Devon venue has recently cancelled a scheduled date of Roy Chubby Brown's show - NOT MEANT TO OFFEND, IT'S SIMPLY COMEDY this summer.

'For those who were hoping to see the show, we're pleased to confirm that Roy will still be performing at the Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay, on Thursday 20th August at 7:30pm.

'We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond to enjoy the unique, no-holds-barred humour Roy is renowned for.

'Please note: this performance is strictly for audiences aged 16+ and may not be suitable for those who are easily offended.

'We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as high demand is expected.'