'Sick' Comedian Not Allowed In U.K.

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30103, 10 April 1963, Page 17

'Sick' Comedian Not Allowed In U.K.

(NZ.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) LONDON. April 8. The American controversial “sick” comedian, Lenny Bruce, was barred from entering Britain today, the “Evening News” reported. Mr Bruce flew into London, stayed exactly two hours, then flew out again. Immigration authorities told him they did not want him—and put him on the next aircraft back to New York. He was due to open a fourweek engagement at “The Establishment,” a night club in Soho which specialises in satirical review, and his salary would have been £7OO a week.

Immigration officials would not give reasons for refusing Mr Bruce admission, and said it had been a personal decision of the Home Secretary (Mr Henry Brooke). Tonight a Home Office spokesman said: “In the view of the Home Secretary, it would not be in the public interest for him to be allowed in Britain.”

Tonight there was a notice outside "The Establishment”

saying: “Lenny Bruce’s appearance has been postponed due to the courtesy of the Rt. Hon. Henry Brooke.” Reuter reported. Mr Bruce’s unorthodox humour has brought him into conflict with the authorities in various parts of the'world. A performance in Sydney, in 1962, was stopped by police after only two shows. Police stepped in when he gave a similar performance in Vancouver.

Last month he had a brush with the authorities in Chicago for using allegedly obscene language in a night club act.