Security measures were in place outside the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne as the media personality took to the stage for a closed show on Thursday evening.
Demonstrators gathered from around 6.30pm and remained outside the venue until the show began at approximately 7.45pm, chanting at people queuing to enter the theatre.
A representative from Stand Up to Racism Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole said: “We were expecting 20 to 30 people and about 200 people were protesting – the whole of Wimborne came out.”
Campaigners shouted chants including “Katie Hopkins shame on you” and “Katie Hopkins is racist, sexist and anti-trans” as attendees queued outside the venue.
The sold-out event formed part of Hopkins’ Free Range UK advertised as an evening of stand-up comedy featuring her views on politics, celebrities and current affairs, alongside stories from her own life and career.
The representative said the atmosphere among protesters was positive throughout the evening, although they said some demonstrators received abuse from people attending the show.
“We took a bit of abuse from people in the queue. Personally, I’d be embarrassed.
“I think you have to question it a little bit if you’re lining up for a show where there is a protest,” they said.
Protest organisers said the demonstration was aimed at Hopkins and her views rather than the Tivoli Theatre itself, but said “it makes you think twice about using the venue.”
Adding: “She makes money by standing on stage and taking the mickey out of people who are already in difficult positions. That’s the sort of people she targets and, personally, I don’t think that’s funny.
“She sells herself as someone who’s telling the truth and being real, but I think she’s a massive grifter. She’s helping to divide the country and making money from people while does it.”
Protests outside of the Tivoli theatre in Wimborne (Image: Stand up to Racism BCP)
In a statement, the Tivoli Theatre trustees said: “The Tivoli Theatre does not endorse Ms Hopkins’, or anyone else’s views however, there are many people who do appreciate her outlook on life.
“Katie Hopkins has appeared elsewhere in the area for two or more years running which confirmed to us that there was a demand.”
They stated that the show sold out within a few weeks when tickets went on sale last November and emphasised that it is a “closed event” for paying attendees who are “fully aware of her act.”