Police and Crime Commissioner defends nationwide theatre tour plans
Colin Sutton, the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Norfolk, has defended his decision to launch a nationwide theatre tour featuring over 100 dates next year, reports BritPanorama.
Sutton, a former Metropolitan Police detective who assumed office less than two months ago, plans to present a live production titled The Makings Of A Murderer – Double Jeopardy. Promoters have announced 130 scheduled shows from January to November 2027.
Amid criticism from opposition parties, Sutton assured that his tour would not interfere with his official duties. “I’m not a blue light service where I go round and turn up at things,” he stated, emphasising the strategic nature of the PCC role and noting he would be “incommunicado” only during the two-hour performances.
Criticism has come from various quarters, notably from Labour MP Ben Goldsborough, who remarked to the BBC that “you can’t police a county from the back of a tour bus.” This sentiment reflects concerns about the effectiveness of Sutton’s leadership while he is engaged in the tour.
Explaining his rationale for the tour, Sutton mentioned he was invited and consulted with colleagues before proceeding. He believes that it would not detract from his performance as PCC, later adding, “Because I was asked to do it and I spoke to the people around me and we decided that it wouldn’t impinge.”
Addressing financial motivations behind the tour, Sutton admitted, “I don’t do it for nothing,” but reiterated his passion for performing. He also clarified the logistical arrangements, stating, “The time I’m actually incommunicado is really reduced to two-hour slots,” reserved for the performances themselves.
He insisted that his primary focus remains on Norfolk, a sentiment echoed by his commitment to a new policing plan due to be announced in October, which intends to refocus resources on rural crime, fulfilling a promise made during his election campaign.
Looking ahead, Sutton faces growing scrutiny as the Government plans to dissolve the PCC role in 2028, a move aimed at saving at least £100 million. The unfolding events will undoubtedly test not just individual commitments, but the broader framework of governance in local policing.
