Actor Gerard McCarthy has withdrawn from the West End production of "Right Before I Go" due to his co-star Dame Maureen Lipman's publicly stated support for Israel.
McCarthy, known for his roles in BBC dramas such as "Call the Midwife" and "The Fall," had been scheduled to reprise his part in the play when it transferred to London's Soho Theatre. His decision to withdraw came after Lipman's casting was announced.
In a statement on Instagram, McCarthy explained that he privately communicated his discomfort with promoting Lipman's involvement due to her views on Israel and Palestine, which he stated were at odds with his own political beliefs. He emphasized that he did not ask for her casting to be reconsidered but chose not to use his platform to promote someone whose political views differed from his.
McCarthy had initially participated in the play's run at the Edinburgh Fringe alongside its creator, Stan Zimmerman. However, he later indicated that tensions arose, stating, "Unfortunately, a subsequent conversation with Stan Zimmerman made me feel that withdrawing from the performance was the right decision for me."
MCCARTHY, WHO HAS APPEARED IN BBC DRAMAS INCLUDING CALL THE MIDWIFE AND THE FALL, HAD BEEN DUE TO REPRISE HIS ROLE IN RIGHT BEFORE I GO WHEN IT TRANSFERS TO LONDON'S SOHO THEATRE
Dame Maureen Lipman has not publicly commented on the dispute. The veteran actress has been a vocal supporter of Israel since the October 7 attacks and has faced criticism from pro-Palestinian activists. She has previously spoken about experiencing anti-Semitic abuse and threats, and has at times required private security while touring.
"Right Before I Go" addresses the subject of suicide, drawing on real suicide notes. The play includes discussions following each performance with cast members, the audience, and mental health professionals.
MR MCCARTHY WALKED AWAY FROM A WEST END PRODUCTION AFTER REFUSING TO PROMOTE HIS CO-STAR DAME MAUREEN LIPMAN OVER HER OUTSPOKEN SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL