Theatregoers at gay drama have tyres slashed in potential hate crime

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Theatregoers and cast members of a gay drama on Sydney's north shore have had their tyres slashed in what police are treating as a potential hate crime.

Eight vehicles parked outside the Lane Cove Theatre Company's production of Holding the Man on Saturday night had their tyres punctured, NSW Police confirmed.

It is the second time the play - about two gay men living with HIV/AIDS - has been targeted this month, after posters were torn down around Lane Cove prior to opening night.

The theatre company's president, Lochie Beh, told the Herald it was a "ridiculous, cowardly act" that took place during what was supposed to be the show's final performance.

"We all went out to our cars ... one by one we discovered that yes, all our tyres had been targeted," he said. "It wasn't just one tyre per car, we're talking one, two and possibly three tyres in some cases.

Mr Beh, whose tyres were among those slashed, said police who attended the scene indicated it may be treated "as a hate crime". He said he had never been contacted by anyone expressing concerns about the play's themes.

"We're obviously incredibly disappointed and upset by the actions of a very small minority. That said, we are moving forward," he said.

"We're a theatre company that tells stories. We shouldn't need to be silent for telling stories."

A NSW Police spokeswoman confirmed officers were called to the performance space at St Aidan's Anglican Church in Longueville at 10.30pm on Saturday night and found eight vehicles with punctured tyres.

"Police have been told the vehicles were owned by members of a theatre group," she said. "We will be investigating all motives including motives of bias."