In May 2015, The Freedom Theatre embarked on its first tour of the UK. The Siege was the largest touring production performed in Britain by a Palestinian theatre company. The UK tour was organized by The Freedom Theatre UK Friends, a network of over 300 people in Britain who are engaged in the theatre’s activities. The Siege and its UK tour are supported by the EU, the British Council, Steps Beyond – European Cultural Foundation, Arts Council England and The Roddick Foundation. Other supporters include the playwright,
Howard Brenton and film-maker,
Ken Loach. Funding by
Arts Council England angered local Jewish community. Actress
Maureen Lipman joined pro-Israel groups including
Zionist Federation in a protest outside the London premiere of
The Siege at
Battersea Arts Centre. ==See also==