Council axed Magic Mike-style show over concerns it was ‘too raunchy’, says performer

The members of a Magic Mike-style strip show have hit out at Swansea Council after they were told the performance could not go ahead over concerns it was “too raunchy”.

Magic Men Australia, who are currently on a world tour, were due to perform at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea on Friday night. But lead performer William Parfitt said the show had been cancelled around one week ago, much to the group’s surprise.

Speaking to the BBC, he said he had only been given a “vague” explanation of the decision by the venue, and that neither the venue or the council had notified him of the cancellation directly.

In a statement provided to the broadcaster, Swansea Council apologised for the disruption but said the show had been cancelled after “concerns” raised with them.

Mr Parfitt questioned the decision in a post on Instagram, asking: “Too raunchy...or is it not raunchy enough?”

He continued: “Sorry Swansea, unfortunately they have pulled the pin on our show in Wales, unfortunately we will not be performing on Friday night in Swansea because apparently our show is too raunchy.”

But he offered ticket holders the chance to see the action at one of the group’s other UK dates and be upgraded to VIP access.

“You can decide for yourself whether our show is too raunchy,” he said. “I never thought we would be cancelled in Wales for being too raunchy.”

The group describe themselves as the “world’s number one ladies night and male strip show”.

The BBC reports Mr Parfitt called the decision “incredibly disappointing” both for the team who had spent "considerable time and money preparing" - but also for "the hundreds of women who were looking forward to attending".

It is understood ticket holders have been contacted and offered a full refund.