By Ross Brewster

Last updated 10:42, Saturday, 30 August 2008

ONE of Keswick’s regular street entertainers has blasted the town’s mayor after he complained that a visiting act “went beyond public decency”.

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In a twist: Andrew Hudspith, pictured here in Keswick two years ago, says the audience who saw Skate Naked ‘loved it’. ‘Skate Naked’s act is cheeky but I defend their right to wear a G-string’

Roger Purkiss branded the acrobatic act by a duo called Skate Naked, from Bristol, “disgraceful behaviour” and said people should be indignant that it was seen on Keswick’s streets.

He made a complaint to police who say any decision over further action rests with the Crown Prosecution Service.

During their show in Market Square the performers, wearing socks and thongs, placed lighted sparklers between their buttocks.

However, Andrew Hudspith, who is a regular seasonal entertainer in the town and current holder of the Fool of Muncaster crown, said: “I am quite outraged that the mayor thinks it is part of his role to be the moral guardian of Keswick. He is on a slippery slope.”

Mr Hudspith, from Penrith, who appears under the name of A.J. said: “I know these people and they are top class entertainers in the world of street theatre. They have toured all over the world and coached other acrobats.

“They have been on TV and pop videos and fly all over the world. They are a much sought after act.

“Their act is controversial but there’s nothing illegal about it. I know the Crown Prosecution Service won’t press charges. In fact the audiences in Keswick loved it.”

The performers, who are regular street entertainers in Bath, were on their way back from the Edinburgh Festival when they contacted Mr Hudspith to say they wanted to appear in Keswick.

He said: “I am concerned that the mayor thinks an act which entertained hundreds of visitors is a public order offence. They have been performing for 20 years and loved Keswick. In fact they stayed three days, preferring it to Edinburgh.”

Mr Hudspith is concerned that Mr Purkiss’s comments will provide ammunition for opponents of street entertainment in Keswick who say that crowds performers attract are blocking entrances to businesses.

“The majority of people in the town support me, and the complaints are coming from a minority,” he said.

“Skate Naked’s act is cheeky. But I defend their right to wear a G-string. They try to be controversial. If it was not appropriate for Keswick then they would not earn a living. Street theatre is self-regulating in that if people are no good they don’t get paid.”

Talks involving local councils and police are due to take place in October to discuss the street entertainment situation in Keswick, but Mr Hudspith said: “It’s the end of the season now. By the time they work up a fuss there will be no problem to discuss. There are more important problems these people should spend their resources on.

“I try to make sure acts comply with the code of practice we drew up. I have not been asked to the October 3 meeting although I was involved in the original consultation.”

rbrewster@cngroup.co.uk