Peter Kay Returns Home for Secret Shows, Delighting Bolton Fans
Popular comedian Peter Kay delighted his hometown of Bolton by performing three intimate and secret fundraising shows at the Octagon Theatre. This marks Kay’s return to the stage in Bolton after two decades, taking a break from his extensive arena tour. The performances, held on Sunday, raised an impressive £80,000 for the 390-capacity venue, providing a significant boost, according to the theatre’s chief executive.
Despite being one of Britain’s most prominent comedy stars, Kay’s return to a smaller venue was a refreshing change for both the comedian and his audience. The tickets for the three two-hour sets sold out within minutes of being made available to theater members, patrons, and subscribers.
Expressing his preference for intimate settings, Kay mentioned, “It’s nice playing here because I’ve been playing arenas. I prefer this because it’s nice and intimate.” Positioned at the centre of a small circular stage, surrounded by the audience, the comedian shared anecdotes about his early days at the Octagon theatre in the 1990s, before he was “let go.”
During his lively performance, Kay reminisced about working at local shops, including a Netto supermarket and a video shop called Rentertainment. Despite being “let go” from these jobs, he humorously remarked that performing stand-up was his best job, as he hadn’t been “let go” from it yet.
The audience was treated to a mix of material from Kay’s arena tour, and the second half featured a Christmas-themed segment with the comedian donning a Santa outfit. Fans expressed their joy at Kay’s return, describing the show as “amazing” and a special treat before Christmas.
Kay, known as “one of Bolton’s funniest comedians,” not only brought laughter to his fans but also significantly contributed to the Octagon Theatre’s financial well-being, emphasising his commitment to supporting local causes in his hometown.
About The Author
