Colin Sutton cancels theatre tour amid backlash
The first police and crime commissioner (PCC) from Reform UK, Colin Sutton, has decided to cancel a planned national theatre tour following significant public backlash, reports BritPanorama.
Sutton, elected as Norfolk’s PCC in July 2025, was set to embark on a nationwide stage production titled The Makings Of A Murderer – Double Jeopardy in 2027, with 130 performances scheduled over 11 months.
Despite initially defending the tour, asserting his right to spend leisure time as he chose, Mr Sutton faced criticism over concerns that active policing could be compromised during the performances.
He stated that he would be “incommunicado” for just two hours during shows and maintained that his duties would not be affected. His annual salary for the PCC role is £79,052.
Sutton, a former Metropolitan Police detective with a three-decade career, remarked, “It’s a bit odd to suggest I can never leave Norfolk because I happen to be the PCC.” However, Labour MP Ben Goldsborough criticized the plan, expressing that “you can’t police a county from the back of a tour bus.”
At a scrutiny committee meeting on Wednesday, Sutton confirmed the cancellation, citing the reaction from residents as a key factor in his decision. He expressed uncertainty about completing the extensive tour, indicating that while he could manage some dates, he did not want to appear negligent in his responsibilities.
Reflecting on his commitment to the role, he stated, “What I don’t want to do is to give the impression to anybody that I don’t take this role seriously and I’m not going to do a good job on this.”
In a broader context, the government announced plans in 2025 to abolish the role of police and crime commissioner in 2028 during the next elections, aiming to save at least £100 million.
Sutton’s decision illustrates the delicate balance PCCs must maintain between visibility in public life and their commitments to community safety.
