ACID-TONGUED comedian Stephen K Amos left the leader of Ealing Council red-faced after tearing into him at a live show this week over the council’s failure to finish building the borough’s cinema.

Julian Bell, who was first elected to lead the council in 2002, was spotted in the audience by the comic during the second act of the Ealing Comedy Festival, held at Warpole Park.

At first sticking to generalist quotes about rubbish collection and housing services, a heckler gave Amos his comedic ammunition, shouting ‘where is our cinema’ from the audience.

Initially confused, Mr Amos realised quickly that this was to be picked up on as the hundreds-strong crowd cheered their assent. 

The half-finished cinema has been an issue of serious contention in Ealing for over a decade, with previous protests including a ‘graffiti knit’ by the WI and the Save our Cinema campaign, which has been ongoing since 2010.

Residents in the area are angry that despite Ealing’s historic contribution to the film industry, and the social nature of the borough, no cinema has been completed.

Nicola Rowledge, an HR head and an Ealing resident, who was at the gig said: “He deserved it.  We pay a lot of money in council tax and take great care of our town – the cinema was promised so long ago, it makes no sense for the area not to have one”.

Mr Bell did find some support, with a Mr Richard Clarke sharing on twitter:

“@juliangbell just want you to know I was cheering you tonight!”

The rest of the event, part of a week-long celebration of comedy, was considered a storming success for comedians Marcus Brigstocke, who stuck to political humour and life as a newly-single man and Seann Walsh, sharing stories about cohabiting.

The only other controversy came in the form of Nick Helm, who’s alternative, expletive-laden rants and oddly disjointed puns led to many walking out before the end of the show.

Ealing Council leader Julian Bell was approached for comment over Mr Amos' comments.