Peter Kay tour 2023: where could comedian perform UK, when will he confirm dates, why did he cancel 2017 tour?

The comedian has not toured in the UK since 2011 after cancelling his sold out 2017 tour due to unforeseen circumstances
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It’s been over a decade since Peter Kay last toured the UK.

The comedian made headlines in 2017 when he cancelled his 14-month stand-up tour due to unforeseen family circumstances and has stayed out of the spotlight ever since.

Fans have been waiting for him to announce a new tour for a long time, but it appears the wait may be over soon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It’s been reported that Kay has, “lined up huge venues across the country,” to put on an impressive show in 2023.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Peter Kay Tour 2023.

Who is Peter Kay?

Peter Kay is a stand-up comedian from Bolton who is most known for his TV show Phoenix Nights.

Peter Kay has not toured the UK since 2011 (Pic: Getty Images)Peter Kay has not toured the UK since 2011 (Pic: Getty Images)
Peter Kay has not toured the UK since 2011 (Pic: Getty Images)

His parody film Britain’s Got the Pop Factor, saw him reach number two in the UK singles chart in 2008.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His most recent show, Car share aired on BBC Three and ran for two seasons.

The 48-year-old stepped back from public life after cancelling his stand-up tour in 2017.

However, he has started performing again recently, hosting the charity Dance for Life dance-a-thons, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Why did he cancel his 2017 stand-up tour?

Kay’s 2023 comeback tour,will be the first show he will have performed since 2011.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The comedian was due to undertake a 14-month long stand-up tour in 2017, but cancelled it due to unforeseen family circumstances.

In a statement on Twitter at the time Kay said: “Due to unforeseen family circumstances I deeply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects.

"This unfortunately includes my upcoming stand-up tour, Dance For Life shows and any outstanding live work commitments.

"My sincerest apologies. This decision has not been taken lightly and I’m sure you’ll understand my family must always come first.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I’ve always endeavoured to protect my family’s privacy from the media. I hope that the media and the public will continue to respect our privacy at this time. Once again I’m very sorry.”

The tour was due to play at 100 venues and was fully sold out when the announcement was made.

After cancelling his tour, Kay stepped back from public life and it is rumoured that he and his family moved to Tipperary in Ireland.

Where could Peter Kay tour in 2023?

According to the Sun, a source told them Kay has: “lined up huge venues across the country including in Manchester, London and Birmingham and is hoping to announce it in September."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They added: "Peter has not performed a live stand-up set on a big stage in well over a decade now but he could not be more ready to get back out there."

However, Kay has not yet made any announcements.

When will he announce tour dates?

There has been no confirmation from Kay’s representatives that the tour will go ahead.

Kay’s friend, comedian Jason Manford has suggested that he will be touring soon.

Speaking to Dublin’s FM104’s Strawberry Alarm Clock show Manford said: “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.”

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.