Belfast comedian's libel claim against Soho Theatre will be struck out unless he pays £15,922 within 14 days

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026.

Paul Currie, accused of verbally abusing Jewish audience members and demanding they leave during his Soho Theatre show, faces the collapse of his libel claim after a High Court judge ruled he must pay £15,922 in outstanding legal costs within 14 days or the case ends. His barrister told Judge David Cook the payment is impossible and the claim will effectively die. The Campaign Against Antisemitism said Jewish audience members were "hounded out" after Currie demanded to know why one had not stood up to applaud when he produced Ukrainian and Palestinian flags.

Currie's own lawyer conceded the ruling means the libel claim will be struck out, as his client says he is not currently working due to caring responsibilities.

The theatre's barrister told the court Currie performed for three weeks at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August — contradicting the claim he is unable to work.

Soho Theatre banned Currie from performing at the venue and issued a press release stating Jewish audience members had been subjected to verbal abuse at the end of his show 'Shtoom' in February 2024.