For a man who is arguably the most famous comedian in the UK, Peter Kay sure is good at keeping a secret.
There’s been a total blanket ban on content from his shows at the AO Arena (and he’s doing more than 40…), with nothing much in the way of spoilers.
The beloved star’s latest treat that he kept almost entirely under wraps was three stand-up gigs in his hometown.
The chance to see Bolton-born Peter Kay in such an intimate setting is pretty remarkable after his huge achievement selling out arenas across the country.
It was the first time he’s performed in Bolton for more than 20 years, and was all to raise funds for the Octagon theatre.
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The chance to grab tickets was only even offered to a select few people, with priority access given to Octagon members and patrons of the theatre. Then whatever was left were offered to those signed up to the theatre’s mailing list, selling out in seconds.
Peter Kay performed brand new material and celebrated the best of Bolton to an intimate audience at the theatre where he used to work on the box office.
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The series of performances, sponsored by Carrs Pasties (how very Bolton) raised more than £80,000 for the Octagon, which is a registered charity.
One fan who was there said: “Peter Kay was wonderful. An incredible experience to see such an outstanding warmly funny comedian in such an intimate setting. So proud of the Octagon and what it does for the community of Bolton, both on and off stage.”
Another said: “He was absolutely fantastic, we were so lucky and pleased to be able to watch him yesterday! He’s made December special for many there’s no doubt. Thank you octagon for putting on such a great show.”
Chief Executive at the Octagon, Roddy Gauld, commented: “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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You can sign up to the Octagon’s mailing list to be the first to find out about events like this in the future here.
World premiere of A Knight’s Tale The Musical to open in Manchester next year
Emily Sergeant
A brand-new stage adaptation of a beloved early 00s film is set to have its world premiere right here in Manchester.
That’s right – A Knight’s Tale has been turned into a comedy musical.
A Knight’s Tale may be one of Chaucer’s most well-known Canterbury Tales, but for most of us, we tend to be more familiar with Brian Helgeland’s iconic 2001 medieval action comedy film of the same name instead, which of course starred the late great Heath Ledger, alongside Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Mark Addy, and more.
And its the latter that has now been reimagined for modern day and turned into a brand-new comedy stage musical that will charge into Manchester early next year.
From the production team behind recent stage smash-hits including Disney’s Newsies, and 2:22 A Ghost Story, the brand-new A Knight’s Tale The Musical has been adapted for the stage by Irish comedy writer and actor Brona C Titley, directed by the award-winning Rachel Kavanaugh, and choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Matt Cole.
MANCHESTER: get ready for a Knight you won’t forget 💘
The brand-new comedy musical A KNIGHT’S TALE (based on the iconic 2001 film) is charging into @PalaceAndOpera for its WORLD PREMIERE from April 2025.
— A Knight’s Tale Musical (@ukknightstale) July 23, 2024
It’s gearing up to be a “rip-roaring tale of chivalry, jousting, heroes, and villains”.
Not only that, but just like the popular film, audiences in Manchester are being told to expect a “truly rockin’ soundtrack” that’s packed with chart-topping hits.
Unfamiliar with the premise of the cult-classic film? Ledger plays William Thatcher – a 14th century peasant squire who breaks all the rules when he passes himself off as a nobleman and takes the jousting world by storm. The only thing that stands between Will and his dream of becoming the World Champion of the most extreme of sports, however, is the bad boy of the sport Count Adhemar.
The two rivals then go lance to lance at the world finals, and it’s a pretty epic finale to say the least.
The world premiere of A Knight’s Tale The Musical is to open in Manchester next year / Credit: Columbia Pictures | Wikimedia Commons
Just like the film, A Knight’s Tale The Musical apparently “has it all”, so you’re invited to join Will Thatcher and his band of merry misfits for “a Knight like no other” when the show takes to the legendary Manchester Opera House stage next April.
“Over 20 years ago, I had the time of my life surrounded by a supreme cast and crew making a film we all fell in love with while we were joyfully making it,” commented Brian Helgeland ahead of the musical’s Manchester debut.
“Sitting at a recent read through of the stage version, I could feel that same joy and love emerging, and I am grateful for the new life they are creating and very eager to see it in all its fully staged glory.”
A Knight’s Tale The Musical will take to the Manchester Opera House stage on 11 April 2025, and run right through until 10 May 2025, and tickets go on general sale next Thursday 1 August at 10am – with members’ pre-sales running prior.