Comedy News Articles

Comedian Peter Kay’s highly anticipated shows at Manchester’s new Co-op Live venue have faced yet another setback. Originally scheduled for last Monday, the opening gigs were postponed by a week, only to be delayed once more.

Kay and Co-Op Live’s Apology

The postponements come amidst the resignation of Co-op Live’s general manager, Gary Roden, following a series of issues and delays. Roden faced criticism over comments regarding the management of small music venues.

Taking to social media, Kay expressed his regret, citing concerns over the venue’s readiness for a large audience. He announced the rescheduled dates as May 23rd and 24th, emphasizing the importance of audience safety.

To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience. Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).

Rescheduled Again

CO-OP ‘sustainable’ eco venue for 35,000 has completely screwed ticket holders for #PeterKay:

– no email direct to ticket holders
– no consideration of hotel / travel costs
– no proper compensation@TheCoopLive – people deserve better

Get your damn act together. Eco-twats

— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) April 22, 2024

Fans expressed disappointment over travel and accommodation costs, with uncertainties around refunds. The repeated delays have left many frustrated and questioning the venue’s readiness.

That is to add on to the fact that this is the 2nd cancellation, so no doubt there would be a few people who had to make a few calls to adjust for the new dates again, since a lot of the people are visiting Manchester just for the Co-Op Live Arena.

Venue’s Statement

A spokesperson for Co-op Live acknowledged the challenges and assured fans of ongoing testing to ensure safety. Both Peter Kay and The Black Keys, another act impacted by the delays, have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows.

Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.

New Dates

The Black Keys’ performance has been rescheduled from April 27 to May 15th, while Peter Kay’s shows will now take place on May 23rd and 24th, 2024.

The arena also hosted an 11,000-capacity test event featuring Rick Astley last weekend but was ultimately forced to, again, cancel some tickets just hours beforehand (which according to sources are around 4,000 tickets, which left fans fuming).

Tickets for the comedian are available HERE and Peter Kay comes in with a bit of good news for the fans and says that,

Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable. It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.

While waiting for the new schedules for Peter Kay’s show, why not step right in to Big Belly Comedy Club and satisfy you’re appetite for live comedy? We’ve got a bunch of hilarious comedy shows ready for you 7 nights a week so come on in for a visit!