Kevin Bridges abandons gig early in the face of hecklers and illness

Kevin Bridges cut his tour gig short last night, blaming hecklers and illness.

Just 24 hours after being named ‘ticket of the year’ by Ticketmaster customers, the comic was offering refunds to those disappointed by the premature close.

And he said that any remaining money after the Brighton Dome gig would go to charity.

Writing on social media, he said: "My apologies to everyone who came to see me tonight at the Dome.

‘I have been ill for a few days but I didn’t want to cancel the gigs as I felt the Adrenalin of performing could carry me through, as it usually does and did tonight for the majority of the show.

‘People shouting nonsense throughout the gig is something I’m well used to after 15 years in stand up but tonight I hit a wall physically and maybe mentally and I’m truly sorry to everyone who I let down by finishing early.

‘I'd like to offer everyone their ticket money back and any remaining ticket money will be donated to a local homeless charity. Suggestions welcome. Anyway, apologies and onwards. Kevin.’

The response from fans on Twitter was overwhelmingly positive.

Typical was James McKeme, who said: ‘Didn’t let me and the Mrs down at all. We’d got our money’s worth long before the end. Loved it. By all means give it to homeless charity in Brighton though, there’s plenty who need help. Anyway, get well soon pal.’

Ken Geddes said: ‘ We travelled from Hong Kong to see you last night and you were as we hoped, an absolute legend. Absolutely no need to refund anything. Stay strong.’

And Liam Bailey said: ‘No refund required at all, especially for the minority that cannot go out and behave like adults! Fantastic performance, chuffed to see you live for the first time’

Abbie Arnone was another who turned on the hecklers, saying: ‘You did amazing, the best stand up I’ve seen. It’s embarrassing to say I live in Brighton when we have such selfish pricks like the ones in the audience tonight!!! Besides that it was an absolute brilliant show and I was crying in laughter throughout. Well done Kev!’

It’s not the first time Bridges has hit the headlines because of disruptive audience members.

In 2015 he apologised for getting irate after an audience member insisted on getting a selfie with him mid-way through a show in front of 11,000 fans at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow

On the same tour,  several fans complained that shows at the Edinburgh Playhouse were marred by hecklers, while he also walked off stage at Derry's Millennium Forum when a woman wouldn't stop heckling him. Bridges again donated that night's takings to charity.

Published: 29 Nov 2018