Report suggests arena stand-up dates ahead

Peter Kay is making a comeback with a huge arena tour, it has been reported today.

The Sun says the comic ‘hopes’ to announce the dates in September, with venues including The O2 in London and Manchester’s AO Arena.

However, the report is otherwise light on detail, other than to cite a source saying Kay ‘could not be more ready to get back out there’ – and making the certain prediction that ‘organisers are confident the tour will be a sell-out’.

Six years ago, the comic pulled a huge arena tour just days after announcing it, citing unforeseen family circumstances and saying: ‘This decision has not been taken lightly and I’m sure you’ll understand my ­family must always come first.’

However he has made tentative returns to the stage, including charity Q&A shows and DJing his Dance For Life events in aid of Cancer Research.

Jason Manford renewed speculation of his pal’s return to stand-up earlier this month when he told Dublin radio station FM104: 'He's great, Pete. We've known each other a long time, it must be 25 years. It's been a hell of a ride.

‘He's just an absolute legend isn't he? What a treasure. Hopefully back himself soon, doing stand-up, so keep your eye out for his tour. Not that he needs you to buy a ticket as much as I do.’

Kay, 48, recorded an audio episode of his comedy Car Share during lockdown as well as making a brief appearance on the BBC’s Big Night In fundraiser.

The comic has also revealed he is writing a third volume of his memoirs – having committed the first, the Sound Of Laughter, to audioboook last year.

Published: 26 May 2022