A SHOW that has toured the world exploring genital origami was brought to life in rural Herefordshire.

The Hereford Times last week reported the concerns of one reader unhappy that the Puppetry of the Penis act is coming to the city’s Courtyard in October.

Joyce Clare said she was so appaled at the booking that she was stopping her membership with the Edgar Street art centre.

But creator Simon Morley has defended his act and says Herefordshire has a “special part to play” in the show’s evolution.

He said: “My wife was born there and I have spent many years living in Kentchurch raising my two beautiful children, and I have a wonderful supportive family within your boundaries.

“The present show, which features the latest in CGI and video effects, was in fact put together in Orcop village hall.

“As for the moral content of the show, it is pure comedy.

"There is no fruity language, no blaspheming, and for a show that features full frontal male nudity, it is surprisingly and completely non-sexual.”

The show has had three West End Runs, four Off Broadway runs, and has appeared in many cities in the western world – usually on numerous occasions.

Mr Morley – who is a Catholic and now lives in New York city – said he has become a friend of the Courtyard to cover the loss of Ms Clare’s sponsorship, and hopes readers might join him in supporting the theatre.

He said he would not normally bother “addressing such concerns as that of Ms Joyce”, but felt that this complaint was “too close to home” and contacted the Hereford Times.

Mr Morley believes the show is likely to “bring in a whole new audience” and that the Courtyard will “gain a lot of respect from the Herefordshire community” as a result.

“It may liberate you, it may give you the belly laugh you have so needed, but if the idea of it offends you, don't come,” he said.

“It's that simple.”