Comic Jim's rant at Telford

Davidson walked on stage at The Place in Oakengates last night ranting about his "nightmare" experience since arriving in Telford yesterday.

His biggest attack was on the Telford Golf and Country Club, at Sutton Heights, where he was staying. He claimed the swimming pool was cloudy, the machines in the gym did not work and the staff were miserable.

Today hotel staff said he had torn up his bill and stormed out.

The outspoken comedian also went on to attack The Place theatre where 500 people had bought tickets to see him, branding it a "hall".

He even offered to put buses on for his next visit to the town so his audience could travel to a "proper theatre" such as the Wolverhampton Civic.

Today council chiefs leapt to the defence of the town and told the comedian, who now lives in Dubai, that he would not be welcome back.

Hotel staff also hit back, branding Davidson's behaviour "rude".

But Pat Lake-Smith, Davidson's spokeswoman, today said: "He ripped the bill up as a gesture because he was so appalled at the quality of the service. He was aware that the account would be paid by the promoter."

She added: "It was a sell-out show last night, there were no complaints whatsoever from the audience and I have confirmed this with the theatre.

"As this is the third time Jim has played Telford recently, surely that speaks for itself."

Jonathan Rowe, head of leisure and culture at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "If he feels that Telford is such an awful place, we suggest that in future he finds somewhere else to perform."

Keith Austin, leader of the council, added: "I really think Jim Davidson ought to be apologising."

By Kirsty Marston

Were you in the audience for the show? If so, send us your views by clicking here

What do you think about the comic's outburst? Send us your views by clicking here

YOUR COMMENTS:

Can't agree more with Jim's comment about the Great Hay. I used to be a member of the leisure club but cancelled because of the appalling conditions in the changing rooms, pool and gym and the fact 60% of the equipment was not in a working condition for months. However, Oakengates is a good example of a small, imtimate theatre and his remarks do not reflect my experiences of the venue.

Peter Gaster

"He even offered to put buses on for his next visit to the town so his audience could travel to a 'proper theatre' such as the Wolverhampton Civic": Perhaps The Place should offer to lay on coaches from Jim Davidson's show to see a "proper comedian", such as Jimmy Carr.

Jake

We were at the Jim Davidson evening and had an absolutely brilliant time. He was hilarious and although his comments are a tad 'outspoken', at least he states facts about certain issues rather than most people who simply put up with them and say nothing. His comments about the theatre appeared more of a 'tease' (he probably says this about every venue, it's his act!) and I am told by ex-members of the hotel's leisure facilities, his description was spot on. The hotel should use this as a chance to turn itself around. The 'powers that be' should not be so touchy about his act, it's mainly tongue in cheek. Good for Jim Davidson.

Steve

My husband and I were in the audience last night at the show. It was fantastic, we thought he was hilarious! It is the third time we have been to see Jim and each time we thouroughly enjoyed it. He said on stage more than once that he doesn't mean to offend anybody, and he is there to make people laugh, well he certanily did that. I have to agree that the theatre is very small compared to other places, but has it occured to anybody that when he said he would put buses on next time so that we could see him in Wolverhampton that he might be JOKING?

What the paper failed to say is that he also made fun of Wolverhampton. Has it occured to the two councillors mentioned in the article that you need a sense of humour when going to see comedians, and also can they honestly say that they have never stayed in a hotel and had very poor service? I can't, I got married a couple of years ago and went round a few hotals in Telford looking for accomodation for guests, and iIhave to say i was appalled by the attitude of the staff in some of them, not to mention the cleanliness.

People should lighten up a bit. I live in Telford and was not offended by anything he said, and as far as I could tell everybody around me was having a good time. Well worth the money and I hope he comes back soon!

Samantha

I can't believe the sense of humor of our council!!! I have now seen Jim in 3 different towns over the years and each time he will take the mickey out of the town he is performing in. I understand the theatre has had a lot of money spent on it recently but the stage and seating area has not changed. Jim is a comedian after all and let's face it he didn't say anything that wasn't true but it was nice to laugh about it for a change!!! Telford council should take on board what the comedian said and use it to their advantage. As for the hotel in Sutton Heights, they should be ashamed. I am embarrassed for them. If a customer complains, is this how a complaint is treated, with ignorance, not a care because they will get paid anyway? Jim deserves a written apology. Jim Davidson was fantastic. If the theatre had not shut the bar before the show had finished he may well of had a drink with his fans too!!

Amanda Jacks

He is half right about the leisure facilities at the Great Hay. I am a member, and the facilities could do with upgrading, the changing rooms are bad, a lick of paint and a bit of tiling wouldn't go amiss, the pool is getting better. Hopefully this outburst will be the kick up the bum the new owners need to change things.

Steve

I can't argue with the fact that The Place is quite small and my experiences of the hotel in question haven't been great either. What worries me more is that Jim Davidson is being described as a comedian. Isn't this illegal under the Trades Descriptions Act?

Rob, Oakengates

Perhaps the Star should run a quiz, the question could who is the comedian? A) Jim Davidson Successful and respected entertainer B) Jonathan Rowe, head of leisure and culture at Telford & Wrekin Council C) Keith Austin, leader of the council.

It's no great surprise to see the council is looking to make comments regarding Jim Davidson and even have the cheek to suggest he finds somewhere else to perform, I doubt they were even at the show last night! If the people in Telford want to see Jim at Oakengates then he should be allowed to perform there. After all these council officials are supposed to represent us, not rule over and dictate to us.

One final point, I wonder if there is any truth in the rumour that Jim Davidson was responsible for the recent traffic planning in Telford, if that's the case then he must be the world's greatest comedian. Clive, St Georges

I was at the show on Tuesday night. It's the first time i have seen Jim Davidson he was fantastic. I have seen quite a few stand up acts and he was by far the best I have seen. His comments about Telford were probably what a lot of people already think. The comments about the theatre were meant as a joke. That's why people go to see comedians, to have a laugh, not so council chiefs can have a go at some one for telling a joke.

If only they were as passionate about things that really mater in the community. As for the hotel, his description was spot on. My wife and I were both members of the gym there and have just cancelled due to the fact it's a mess. The changing rooms for the pool are terrible and the showers have mould on the walls. Most of the gym equipment is broken and the rest is in poor condition, When we first joined the gym the rowing machines had no digital readout, they said they were away being fixed. Four months later they were still missing.

Jim davidson is like most comedians - they use many subjects that could be seen as taboo to some narrow-minded people but they have a choice like all of us. If you dont like his style of comedy don't go to see him. But don't ruin it for all those that enjoy his style of comedy.

Paul

Could not agre with Jim Davidson more, Telford is a filthy place to live and 20 years behind most towns. The Oakengates Palace (town hall) is just a glorified village hall. It's a good job he didn't start on about the yob culture there or massive drug problem as well. Glad I moved to Spain 2 years ago. I keep in contact with all my friends there and they all wish they could move too. Well done Jim, you hit the nail on the head

Reggie

I have been to Dubai, where customer service is superb wherever you went, whereas in England staffing levels are done on the minimal, which leaves the staff unable to give superb customer service.

Julie

I have attended shows at The Place and, whilst it cannot be compared to venues such as the Symphony Hall in Birmingham, nevertheless it provides an excellent, warm and friendly environment with a 'club' atmosphere which cannot be found at many other venues. I would suggest that, as Mr Davidson is clearly at the end of his career, he should be profoundly grateful that an audience of 500 are still willing to pay to see him.

As to his comments comparing the Place to Wolverhampton Civic Hall, this is laughable as the Civic is one of the most dark, dirty and drepressing venues I have ever been to and is in need of a massive overhaul to bring the hall itself up to the standard demanded by today's theatregoers. I feel that Telford and Oakengates would clearly be better off engaging other performers, such as Ray Gelato who we saw recently, who are interested in performing for the audience and less concerned about their surroundings.

Mrs J.Woodhead - a supporter of The Place and other venues

My partner and I were two of the five hundred people who attended Jim's show and my word how he delivered! Not only was he true to his word of our filthy dirty, place and its customer service but its glorious puke-stained carpeted hotels too. He was an honest man who entertained a lot of people and made us a very happy bunch indeed. Well, I didn't hear a boo in the HALL.

Councillors!! Just comes to show that they have nothing better to do. They charge far too much for such small services they provide, our taxes would have one much further in Dubai and they wouldn't have bought daffodils either.

Jim Davidson!! I wonder what our lads think about the way Jim he is being pulled down by the Telford gang!! Considering he is the biggest entertainer of our British troops, you know the ones who are fighting life and limb to do something worth while for this country.

Comedians!! They get paid to entertain, Jim entertained us. My money is always well spent when I buy tickets to see Jim. I hope he does come back next year but who would blame him if he didn't. I would travel to Wolves anytime to see him.

'Shantilly'