Peter Kay delighted fans in his hometown of Bolton as he played three secret and intimate fundraising shows this weekend.
The comedy icon played three gigs at the Octagon theatre yesterday (Sunday) - his first time on stage in his hometown for 20 years. He raised £80,000 for the local theatre, where he worked on the box office as a teenager and attended the Youth Theatre.
The exclusive tickets were 'extremely limited', with priority access given to Octagon Members and Patrons who support the theatre. Seats were then released to mailing list subscribers and 'sold out within minutes'.
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Audience members were left delighted after seeing the show, with ticket holders 'loving his material about his early life in Bolton'. Fans said it was great to see Peter, who is currently in the middle of his three-year mammoth arena tour, supporting his local theatre.
One said: "This was the most magical afternoon. I felt like I was sat in Peter Kay’s living toom having a good old chin wag – a memory forever!"
Another said: "I thought it was brilliant and wonderful to see him this intimate setting – it was hilarious and I couldn't stop laughing."
Another added: "Absolutely fantastic, it was so good, so entertaining. We’re both Bolton born and bred and brilliant to see him supporting the Octagon. Thank you Peter so much!"
Roddy Gauld, chief executive at the Octagon, said: "We had an incredible day on Sunday with three shows by Peter Kay. Over one thousand people got the chance to be part of a hilarious, exclusive, and up-close performance with one of Britain’s best loved comedians, here in his hometown.
"It was a unique experience that Octagon donors and returning customers were able to book. We’re a charity and rely upon fundraising.
"Every pound allows us to create more magical, creative experiences on and off stage for young people and communities in Bolton and beyond. We’re incredibly grateful to Peter for his support and to Carrs Pasties, who sponsored the shows.
"We raised a total of £80k and a big thank you to everyone who came, donated, and joined a memorable event that people will be talking about for years. Peter was a member of our Youth Theatre before working in our box office, and his talent and passion for comedy was clear then.
"So, you never know who you’ll meet when you book a ticket or see a show here!"
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