Peter Kay has long been known for his quick wit and sharp comebacks when dealing with hecklers.
The Bolton-born comedian, now 51, has a history of engaging with audiences in a playful manner,
often turning unexpected interruptions into some of the most memorable moments of his live performances.
However, his recent actions at a Manchester gig have sparked debate over whether he has become less tolerant of audience disruptions.
At his AO Arena show over the weekend, Kay ejected three audience members within seconds for shouting out during his set.
This move came as a surprise to many, especially considering his past approach to hecklers, which often involved playful exchanges rather than swift removals.
A Shift in Attitude?
During his early stand-up career, Kay seemed to relish the challenge of dealing with hecklers. Clips from his 2010-2011 stand-up tour, The Tour That Didn’t Tour Tour…Now On Tour, show him handling audience interruptions with ease, often turning them into comedic gold. In one instance, when a woman interjected during a routine about a trip to Gran Canaria, Kay responded with his signature humor, quipping, “You pick your moments, don’t you?” before playfully questioning her decision to interrupt.
Another memorable moment from his Cardiff show featured Kay responding to a particularly vocal audience member with a mix of exasperation and humor. “Oh, you see, you’ve opened a thing now. They all shout… I didn’t ask any of you!” he joked, expertly keeping control of the situation while keeping the audience engaged.
Similarly, in Birmingham, after a heckler shouted as he took a sip of water, Kay fired back with, “He’s on his a**, isn’t he? Every time there’s a gap, he’s in with a wacky catchphrase. Here’s one: f*** off,”* before gesturing dismissively. These moments cemented his reputation as a comedian who could effortlessly handle interruptions without derailing his performance.
The Manchester Incident
Fast forward to his current Better Late Than Never tour, and Kay appears to have taken a stricter stance on heckling. At his recent Manchester gig, warehouse driver Philip Peters, 54, and his 26-year-old son were removed after repeatedly shouting “garlic bread,” a reference to one of Kay’s famous routines. Moments later, Myar Curran, 25, was also ejected after calling out, “We love you, Peter!”
Kay reportedly compared Curran to Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley before she was escorted out, a remark that divided opinion among fans. While some defended Kay’s decision, others questioned whether he has lost the ability—or patience—to handle hecklers in the way he once did.
Defending His Actions
This was not the first time on his current tour that Kay had audience members removed. According to the comedian, he had “no choice” but to eject attendees on two other occasions, leading some to speculate whether he has grown less tolerant of interruptions.
Fellow comedian Jason Manford has come to Kay’s defense, arguing that constant heckling can disrupt a performance and is unfair to other audience members. Many fans have also supported Kay, with some pointing out that shouting catchphrases at a comedian mid-performance is not the same as engaging in genuine comedic back-and-forth.
However, others believe that Kay’s approach to handling audience interaction has shifted significantly over the years. His past tours often showcased his ability to turn heckles into improvised jokes, whereas his recent actions suggest a zero-tolerance policy.
A New Approach or a Necessary Change?
Kay’s Better Late Than Never tour, which began in 2022, marks his first major live comedy run in over a decade. He had previously stepped away from the spotlight in 2017 due to “unforeseen family circumstances,” emphasizing his desire to prioritize his personal life.
Returning after such a long hiatus, it’s possible that Kay is simply choosing to focus on delivering his prepared material rather than engaging in impromptu exchanges with audience members. Given that the tour has already grossed £27 million, it’s clear that his fanbase remains as loyal as ever, even if his handling of hecklers has evolved.
The Bigger Question
So, has Peter Kay lost his edge when it comes to dealing with hecklers? Some argue that his current approach is a necessary adaptation to ensure his performances run smoothly without disruption. Others feel that he has abandoned a key part of what once made his live shows so unique—his ability to turn audience interruptions into comedy gold.
Ultimately, Kay remains one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, and his return to live touring has been widely celebrated. Whether his recent actions signal a permanent shift in his approach or just a case of setting boundaries in a long-running tour, one thing is clear—his ability to entertain and captivate audiences remains as strong as ever.
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