Josef Fritzl, The Comedy: 'It Will Be Dangerous For All Involved'

Who knew comedy could pose such danger? Well, considering this is nothing to laugh about...

Police are to guard tonight's Vienna premiere of a controversial stage comedy inspired by the saga of Josef Fritzl, the Austrian man who imprisoned and abused his daughter, after protests and appeals for it to be banned.

Hubsi Kramar, the production's director and star, has been forced to change its title from Pension Fritzl – a Cellar Soap to Pension F because of the outcry. Tickets for tonight's opening have sold out.

The play centres on the story of the 74-year-old Fritzl, who goes on trial next month for imprisoning and sexually abusing his daughter Elisabeth, by whom he fathered seven children, over a period of 24 years.

Kramar, 60, has received death threats during weeks of protests in the run-up to the premiere. The 3raum-anatomietheater, which is staging the play, has been vandalised, with promotional posters ripped from walls and the stage door sealed with superglue.

"The media hunt is beginning to have an effect," Kramar said. "It will be dangerous for all involved."

Kramar might want to put this one on hold for a bit.