Latest news with #PeterKay
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Peter Kay in Dublin review: This is a greatest hits tour, which is fine for those that love it
Peter Kay 3Arena, Dublin ★★★☆☆ Do you remember Peter Kay ? He remembers you. He remembers all the things you've experienced, the shows you grew up watching and the jingles you can sing word for word. Some of those jingles don't even have words, but Kay is a capable choirmaster for non-lexical vocables when needed, as is the case for theme tunes to Dallas and The A-Team. They fall at the tail end of his opening gambit at the 3Arena , which is a dream come true for fans of Kay the karaoke singer, if not those who prefer Kay the comic. In the main, it deals with old adverts for sweets. A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play; a finger of fudge is just enough. Participation is heavily encouraged, and a microphone is even passed around the crowd. Chocolate slogans make way for anything and everything widely recognisable. If the show had been adapted for its audience on the night, we could have heard about Sally O'Brien and the way she might look at you. Outside of reminiscing, some of Kay's main strengths are physical. When he lines up a joke you can usually see the punchline peering at you from around the corner, but as it arrives with a pop of the eyes or a fall of the face it claws back something fresh. His delivery has always been a strong suit – T-shirts have been made and sold off the back of the way he says garlic bread. READ MORE Kay's mother hails from Tyrone, and he works a half decent Irish accent into impersonations peppered throughout the set. Still, there is something occasionally bizarre about witnessing a comedian so rooted in British culture entertaining an Irish audience. We are adjacent to and fascinated by a lot of the in-jokes, but not always part of it in the way Kay might assume. When the odd reference doesn't land – like a skit of ITV's The Martin Lewis Money Show – it is a reminder that this is a crowd on the periphery of Kay's reach. Apropos of the good weather, and a little jarringly, Kay mentions several times that his trip to Dublin has 'felt like going abroad'. Stand-up comedy can struggle to travel at the best of times, but it is impossible to imagine a set so rooted in relatable UK media making any sense to an audience in Spain, for instance. Misunderstood song lyrics arrive before the night is out. This is the segment that perfectly weds Kay's playful one-liners with his beloved hook of memory-jogging audio. Paul Simon and Bryan Adams arrive obligingly but there aren't many ways of evolving the segment. After a 12-year break from the stage, this show comes towards the end of a three-year run for the Bolton native – he has been at it a long time. [ Bob Dylan announces gigs in Dublin, Killarney and Belfast as part of UK and Ireland tour Opens in new window ] The encore does develop, flowering into a mash-up of yet more classic hits and theme songs. Kay now wields his patented shovel guitar, willing the audience into a sway before they head for the doors. In many ways, this is a greatest hits tour of his own material, which seems to be fine for those that love it.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Peter Kay releases even more tickets for record-breaking tour after ‘phenomenal demand'
Comedy legend Peter Kay has released a fresh batch of tickets for his hugely successful O2 Arena residency, as unprecedented demand continues to make history. The additional tickets are for his newly announced 32nd show at the London venue, scheduled for Saturday, 26 July 2025. It marks another milestone in what has become one of the most iconic comedy runs of all time. Kay, 51, holds the distinction of being the only artist in the world to have a residency at The O2. Now entering its third year, the residency shows no signs of slowing down. Every performance so far has sold out, with fans travelling from all over the UK and beyond to catch a glimpse of the beloved Bolton comic in action. His monthly appearances at the 20,000-seat arena have been credited with redefining the scale and ambition of stand-up comedy on a global stage. The comedian's triumphant return to live performing – his first full tour in over a decade – began in late 2022 with the aptly named Peter Kay: Better Late Than Never tour. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon. More Trending Since then, he has smashed attendance records at venues across the UK, including a historic 100th show at Manchester's AO Arena. But it's his O2 residency that continues to turn heads in the industry, both for its longevity and its consistent sell-out crowds. In a statement, organisers said tickets for the July 2025 date were released 'due to phenomenal demand,' urging fans to book early to avoid disappointment. Kay has made headlines in recent years for his commitment to keeping ticket prices accessible, with some seats starting at just £35 – a contrast to the often sky-high pricing of arena events. As the residency enters its third record-breaking year, fans and industry insiders alike are left wondering how much bigger this run could get. But one thing is certain: Peter Kay's legacy as one of the UK's greatest comedians is already firmly sealed. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Peter Kay releases more tickets for sold-out tour after breaking records
Peter Kay is still on the road with his Better Late Than Never Again and fans have been given an update on a show at the O2 Arena in London that is scheduled for later this month More tickets have been released for Peter Kay 's stand-up tour, it's been announced this week. The comedian is continuing his Better Late Than Never tour, with a number of shows still to come ahead of its conclusion next year. Peter, 52, launched the tour in 2022 and it has since been named one of the most globally successful tours of last year. He's still on the tour, rebranded as Better Late Than Never Again, which is scheduled to end in June next year. Through the tour, he's become the first artist to hold a monthly residency at the O2 in London. Peter previously described the opportunity to perform at the arena as an "absolute honour" and has another show there this month. It's now been announced that extra tickets for his upcoming show at the O2 on July 26 have been released "due to phenomenal demand". The news was shared with fans this afternoon, including through his social media pages. Announcing that tickets are on sale now, a post on an Instagram page for Peter read: "The record-breaking three-year residency continues. Astonishing 32nd show! Saturday 26th July - extra tickets due to phenomenal demand." Standard tickets for the gig are available through AXS from £41.50 at the time of writing. Premium Seating and resale tickets are available through the provider for the show too. Tickets are also available through other providers. Peter launched his tour in Manchester three years ago. He's set to return to the AO Arena in the city on July 25, the night before his upcoming gig in London. He's then scheduled to take a break before resuming the tour in September. viagogo and resale tickets Sites such as viagogo, Stubhub, and Vivid Seats allow fans to buy resale tickets from other fans. However, it is important to note that ticket conditions often prohibit resale after initial purchase. Those tickets may not be valid for admittance to gigs. Fans intending to buy tickets for live events through resale websites should check the ticket terms and conditions, to confirm whether resale is prohibited, before they buy. Ticket terms and conditions can be checked with the original seller, such as Ticketmaster or Live Nation. If resale is prohibited, tickets bought second-hand could be voided and admission to the event refused. The release of more tickets for his show at the O2 comes ahead of the comedian's memoir Peter Kay's Diary being published later this year. The book, which was announced just weeks ago, is currently scheduled to be released in October. Ahead of its release in three months, it has been described as his "most personal and hilarious book yet". The upcoming memoir is said to take readers on a "laugh-out-loud journey through his life, month by month". It's thought that Peter will discuss it with radio host Sara Cox at the Lowry's Lyric Theatre in Salford on September 14. Tickets for Peter Kay In Conversation with Sara Cox, which will have a matinee and an evening show, went on sale last month. The venue apologised at the time over "issues" regarding booking tickets, with it telling fans that it was sorry for "any inconvenience caused". It was later said to have "resolved" them and announced that the two events had sold out. The Lowry had said: "Peter Kay in conversation with Sara Cox is now sold out! Thank you for your patience while we resolved the issues with our ticketing systems."
Irish Times
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
The Guide: Peter Kay, Camila Cabello, Galway Film Fleadh and other events to see, shows to book and ones to catch before they end
Event of the week Peter Kay Thursday, July 10th, until Saturday, July 12th, 3Arena, Dublin, 6.30pm, €180.75/€54.25 (Fri/Sat sold out), After he won Channel 4's So You Think You're So Funny in 1997 (Tommy Tiernan won it a year earlier), the English comedian Peter Kay became a cult hit with his TV series Phoenix Nights, set in a working men's club in northern England. Within a couple of years he was one of Britain's best-known comedians, not least through his charity cover of (Is This the Way to) Amarillo, which became the UK's top-selling single of 2005. Kay, whose mother was born in Co Tyrone, set another record when he sold more than a million tickets for his standup tour of 2010-11. The Bolton comic didn't go on the road for more than a decade after that – his projects in the meantime included Peter Kay's Car Share, the BBC sitcom set largely in a Fiat 500L – but he's been selling out arenas again since 2022. This Better Late Than Never Again! tour made headlines in February when Kay had hecklers – just noisy fans, according to some of the people around them – thrown out of a show in Manchester. That won't deter long-term admirers. But perhaps don't get too rowdy if you're heading for 3Arena. Gigs Longitude Saturday and Sunday, July 5th & 6th, Marlay Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin, 2pm, €199/€149.90/€99.90, Longitude: David Guetta Ireland's premier dance/techno/hip-hop/house festival comes around again with another heavy-duty line-up that will keep arms in the air and legs on the move all weekend. Headliners include David Guetta and Belters Only, on Saturday; and 50 Cent and Sonny Fodera, on Sunday. Other acts to look out for across the two-day event include blk., Hannah Laing, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and Patrick Topping. Keep an ear out, also, for Irish DJ talents such as Cody Wong, Robbie Doherty and Caz. Ludovico Einaudi Tuesday, July 8th, 3Arena, Dublin, 6.30pm, €106.25/€49.20, The Turin-born pianist and composer came to prominence in the 1990s through the use of his music in Italian-language films, but since the early 2000s – specifically through the use of his music in the British film This Is England – he has been one of the go-to ambient, neoclassical and electronic composers. Einaudi's latest album, The Summer Portraits, continues his fascination with quietude, so you are kindly advised to keep your thoughts to yourself until after the concert. Support comes from the British traditional/folk singer Sam Lee. Coheed and Cambria/Alexisonfire Tuesday, July 8th, Telegraph Building, Belfast, 7pm, £56.50; Wednesday, July 9th, National Stadium, Dublin, 7pm, €67.35, Sharing the spoils, creative or otherwise, is rare in many music genres, but this co-headline tour by New York's Coheed and Cambria, and Ontario's Alexisonfire makes amends. Each band is a law unto itself. The former's style is a mix of prog metal and alternative rock, while the latter has described their post-hardcore/punk-rock music as 'the sound of two Catholic high school girls mid-knife-fight'. Get there early for the support acts: Meryl Streek in Belfast, and Molly Vulpyne Band in Dublin. READ MORE Camila Cabello Wednesday, July 9th, 3Arena, Dublin, 6.30pm, €181.75/€80.25/€75.25, Camila Cabello The Cuban-Mexican singer and songwriter Camila Cabello has effortlessly graduated from her 2012 career start in the US version of The X Factor. As part of the girl group Fifth Harmony (formed by the X Factor judges Demi Lovato, LA Reid, Britney Spears and Simon Cowell), Cabello sold more than 30 million records. Her departure in late 2016 paved the way for a solo career that has progressed alongside her acting. Plugging C,XOXO, her 2024 album, Cabello tours Europe for the first time in seven years, and returns to Ireland for her first headline show. Film Galway Film Fleadh Tuesday-Sunday, July 8th-13th, Pálás cinema/Galmont Hotel, Galway city, various times and prices, Ever since its foundation, in 1989, Galway Film Fleadh has prided itself as a festival of discovery, and this year's, the 37th edition, is no exception. An agreement with Galway City Council to reopen the city's arthouse Pálás cinema (which closed in February) has added a subtle wow factor to the scheduled programme of films. Documentary highlights include David Keenan: Words on Canvas, and In Time: Dónal Lunny. Many of the workshops, panel discussions, masterclasses and networking events take place at the Galmont Hotel. In conversation Ian Leslie on John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs Wednesday, July 9th, Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, 8pm, €25, One of the best music books of the year is surely John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs. The book by Ian Leslie highlights (this paper's reviewer noted ) 'insights heretofore unexplored, which alone makes [it] essential reading for fans'. Talking to Leslie about Lennon and McCartney and their songwriting processes are two avid Beatles fans, the writer Paul Howard and the musician and broadcaster Tom Dunne. Literature West Cork Literary Festival From Friday, July 11th, until Friday, July 18th, Bantry, Co Cork, various venues, times and prices, Arriving bang in the middle of summer, this year's West Cork Literary Festival features high-profile actors (Richard E Grant on his recent memoir, A Pocketful of Happiness), film directors (Neil Jordan on Amnesiac , his nonfiction book from 2024), television personalities (Graham Norton, on his latest work of fiction, Frankie ) and radio presenters (John Creedon, talking about his memoir, This Boy's Heart ; and Ryan Tubridy, who will be interviewing Norton in a sold-out event at the Maritime Hotel on Friday, July 18th). Factor in a library of authors, including Wendy Erskine , Ferdia Lennon , Sarah Maria Griffin, Alan Hollinghusrt, Claire Kilroy and Eimear McBride, and you have little excuse not to attend. Still running Willie Clancy Summer School From Saturday, July 5th, until Sunday, July 13th, Miltown Malbay, Co Clare, various venues, times and prices, The annual Willie Clancy Summer School is pivotal in highlighting Irish traditional music more as a way of life than a passing interest. Visitors can expect a blend of emerging and established musicians, experienced through concerts, workshops and lectures. Also includes performances by the Kilfenora Céilí Band and the Tulla Céilí Band. Book it this week Poor, Gate Theatre, Dublin, September 26th-November 2nd, Niamh Regan, Star Bar, Dublin, October 9th and 10th, Robert Forster & His Swedish Band, NCH, Dublin, October 15th, Aisling Bea, Vicar Street, Dublin, March 18th,
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Preorder Peter Kay's new audiobook free with Audible trial
The funny man has a tour due to start soon - but his forthcoming book is set to be a huge success | Getty Images This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Peter Kay's long-awaited new book is coming - and with a free Audible trial, fans can preorder the audiobook for nothing and still have two more listens left in the tank. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Comedy icon Peter Kay is finally back on the circuit, with a tour announced this summer, and an autobiographical book on the way. Tickets for many of his shows have sold out, but the book will launch in October - and it's set to be a belter. Described as a "twelve-month subscription to Peter's memories and meanderings across the calendar year", the book will explore his comings and goings in a typically hilarious way. From hitting the gym in January, falling in love in February and a nostalgic trip to Ireland at Easter, to buying his first house in May, fans of Peter Kay will love being part of a busy 12 months. Pre-orders for the hardcover edition cost £19.99, and there's a Kindle Edition at £10.99, but Peter's unmistakable northern intonation will be gracing the audiobook, which launches at the same time. Peter Kay is finally back on the circuit after a long hiatus | Press Association Images/Press Association Images The audiobook will be available on the Audible platform, which is accessibly by a membership fee that allows you to buy credits. You'll need one credit to preorder Peter Kay's book, but there's a free trial offer for Amazon Prime members that gives you three months - and, more importantly, three credits. So you could preorder Peter Kay's Diary ready for downloading in October, and listen to other books in the meantime. Including, for example, The Sound of Laughter, or TV. Normally each of Peter's three books would cost £12.99 each, so it's a decent saving, and the three-month trial lasts until the end of July, so there's plenty of time to sign up. You can cancel the trial at any time and still keep the credits, and if you do choose to carry on after the three months, it's just £8.99 per month. If you're not a Prime member you'll need to sign up by clicking here and, guess what, there's a free trial for that too. So it's a great time to get started on Audible, line up some listens, and enjoy the freebie while it lasts.
