A theatre has defended its decision to book controversial media personality, Katie Hopkins, for a 'comedy' performance next year.

The 49-year-old, whose political activism has been criticised as being far-right, Islamophobic and racist, will be at Blackburn’s Empire Theatre on May 15 with her 'Bats**t Bonkers Britain' tour.

Ms Hopkins has twice played at the theatre before, including the last time in 2023 when her show entitled, ‘Live, Laugh, Love’, sold out.

A spokesperson for Empire Theatre said: “Katie Hopkins has brought her comedy show to the theatre twice before and it has always been well received.

“The Empire Theatre would not tolerate any show which promoted extreme views or a specific political agenda. 

“Katie Hopkins is clearly a polarising figure and, as with any show, patrons will decide for themselves whether to buy a ticket or not.

“As a venue offering a wide range of entertainment throughout the year, this one-woman comedy show is just part of our diverse offering.”

Hopkins is no stranger to controversy. In 2021 she was deported from Australia after she boasted on social media that she planned to breach the country’s quarantine rules.

In 2020 she was banned from Twitter/X from ‘breaking abuse and hate rules’.

In 2017 she called for a “final solution” following the Manchester Arena terrorist attack

The now-deleted tweet, made in the hours after the explosion, read: “22 dead – number rising. Schofield. Don’t you even dare. Do not be a part of the problem. We need a final solution #Machester (sic).”

Ahead of her upcoming show, Hopkins said: “Having spent time in the media, I know how these idiots operate and I am calling them out on their nonsense.

“People are told to believe stuff that they can see with their own eyes is simply not true.

“That is the definition of madness.

“I’d love to take credit for Bats**t Bonkers but honestly, most days, it writes itself.

“For almost 20 years in the public eye, I have stayed true to my beliefs.

“I am beyond thrilled to have a platform on which to shine a light about the things that matter to regular people in the UK. I have no paymaster and no one to please.

“I’m here telling it like it is because I really want people to know they are not alone.

“Being a part of this tour is not about me; it's about knowing you belong. And together we will laugh hard at the insanity that surrounds us”.