Rotterdam cancelled in Southampton after stones thrown at two actors in homophobic attack

The two women had been 'embracing' whilst on the way to Nuffield Southampton Theatre (NST) Campus on Saturday afternoon, when people in a passing car threw the stones whilst shouting homophobic abuse.

One of the actors was hit in the face.

The pair are performers touring the UK in Rotterdam, a play about gender and sexuality, which was set for a three-day run in the city. All performances on Saturday were cancelled.

A quote from one of the actors was posted on the NST website: “The attack happened because we were embracing. There’s no mistake that this was a homophobic hate crime.

"It was a cowardly attack as it was a moving car. Our community shouldn’t have to tolerate this.

"This is why we have Pride. We should take all steps we can in the education system to help to eradicate this aggressive ignorance from strangers to other strangers."

The attack comes just a week after a gay couple were subject to abuse on a London bus.

NST posted the cancellations to its website and social media.

NST director Sam Hodges tweeted: "I am extremely sad that this sort of appalling behaviour is still happening anywhere, let alone in a city where we have worked so hard to promote a culture of tolerance, inclusivity and civic pride."

The production company, Hartshorn Hook, have requested anyone with relevant information should contact the local police and assist with the enquiry.