CityLife

Peter Kay adds yet more dates to tour

Peter Kay

PETER Kay has added even more dates to his sell-out Manchester Evening News Arena tour because the demand for tickets has been so high.

Thousands of fans inundated the venue over the weekend after the Bolton comic announced he was adding a further five nights.

But, on Saturday, Kay announced he would add another three nights to cope with the demand, taking his performance tally to an incredible 28 nights at the Arena.

John Knight, the Arena’s general manager, said: “The demand for tickets has been remarkable. It seems there’s no stopping the Peter Kay juggernaut.

“Traditionally, it’s quiet the weekend before Christmas but Peter’s shows seems to be an exception to the rule.

“We know many fans are buying the tickets for Christmas gifts.

Shattering box office records

“Because they’re able to print them immediately online they’re able to get their tickets right up to Christmas Eve.”

Kay announced last month he would perform exclusively at the Arena for four nights next spring. But on the day tickets went on sale he revealed this would increase to 20 nights to cope with demand.

But all 200,000 tickets sold out in an hour – making him the fastest- and biggest-selling comedy act in British history. He then announced a national 50-night tour.

It emerged last week he was adding an extra five nights at the Arena in 2011 to conclude the tour because demand in Manchester was so high.

On Saturday another three dates were added in 2011, on October 4, 5 and 6, shattering box office records once more.

Kay rose to fame with his first TV show, That Peter Kay Thing, in 2000 but he is perhaps best known for hit series Phoenix Nights, which he wrote, directed and starred in.

While tickets last, they can be bought at the Arena box office up to 4pm on Christmas Eve or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.