Joker Jake Mangle-Wurzel who has had a furious bust-up with the woman who made a documentary on his life attempted to scupper a live screening in Huddersfield.
Unbeknown to the sell-out audience at the Lawrence Batley Theatre on Friday night, Jake devised a cunning plan to switch the film.
Renowned eccentric Jake, who is at loggerheads with film-maker Michelle Heighway over her 60-minute take on his life Mr Somebody, altered a copy of the DVD and tried to get it shown on the night.
Jake had a pal edit in 10 minutes of him “acting the goat” then another friend phoned the theatre posing as Michelle saying a re-mastered version of the film would be sent over by courier.
The plot was foiled when a member of the theatre staff spoke to Michelle to double-check the arrangements.
Watch: Jake's arrival at the Lawrence Batley Theatre
Two screenings of the documentary went ahead as planned with Jake furiously slamming the film during a heated question-and-answer session.
Jake, 76, famous for his bizarre stunts over three decades, was unrepentant over his failed bid to wreck the show.
“It was a practical joke that didn’t quite come off,” said Jake. “I only got a copy of the DVD from Michelle on Thursday and a friend of mine, Dangerous Phil, edited in 10 minutes of Jakey acting the goat.
“Then we got his girlfriend to ring the theatre. Unfortunately they smelled a rat. It would have been a scream if we had pulled it off. Michelle would have gone berserk.”
Jake has criticised the film for not giving a full picture of his life, work and achievements and says much has been left out.
His angry response during the Q&A saw him slammed for his behaviour by members of the audience and Jake said: “I’m afraid I caused a furore.
“I was accused of appalling behaviour and I was nearly assassinated. I have this all-consuming rage inside me.”
Jake struck up a friendship with Michelle, 34, seven years ago and she filmed 60 hours of interviews with him.
The result was an hour-long documentary which Jake now admits is “good” but which gives a “distorted picture of my life.”
The couple’s friendship has been shattered and Michelle accused him of something akin to “identity fraud.”
She said: “It’s a real shame that Jake is upset. But you can’t imagine how stressful this has been, this identity fraud. He tried to play one big prank. He got someone to pose as me.
“When I got to the theatre they said: ‘Have you brought the new edit?’ I didn’t know what they were talking about. I am never going to edit it.
“I tried to portray him in a generous light and I am grateful to Jake for letting me into his life.
“I have had enough of his anger. I never thought he would hate me. He has broken my heart and I am a really strong person.”
Jake accused Michelle of “making money off my back” but says he now wants an end to the feud.
“She is hurting me and I am hurting her,” he said. “My mind is in turmoil and she is in tears.
“If she will just allow the film to be edited this can be sorted. I am making one last effort.”
