Royal Court reprogrammes Rita, Sue and Bob Too

Vicky Featherstone has reversed the decision to cancel a production of Rita, Sue and Bob Too at the Royal Court, following calls from the public that the move would censor the work of a female playwright.

In a statement released earlier this week, the theatre's artistic director said that allegations made in the media against director Max Stafford-Clark had coincided with the theatre's response to the ongoing spotlight on the industry, and so to stage the Out of Joint production would feel conflictual.

This was met by claims of censorship – including from WhatsOnStage critic Sarah Crompton, who said: "There is a terrible irony, I feel, that Dunbar's voice, a woman's voice, should be silenced by a man's behaviour".

Earlier this evening Featherstone released a further statement saying: "I know that we are nothing without the voices and trust of our writers… I have therefore been rocked to the core by accusations of censorship and the banning of a working class female voice.

"For that reason, I have invited the current Out of Joint production of Rita, Sue and Bob Too back to the Royal Court for its run. As a result of this helpful public debate, we are now confident that the context with which Andrea Dunbar’s play will be viewed will be an invitation for new conversations."

The release also confirmed that post-show talks will take place after the performances, details of which are to be announced.

Rita, Sue and Bob Too runs at the Royal Court from 9 to 27 January 2018.