Karen Dunbar's promoter Breakneck Comedy has "strongly disputed" the Scottish comedian's claims that she was not paid for her shows, after she cancelled the remainder of her Aw Roon the Hooses tour. The Chewin' the Fat star, 55, announced on Instagram on November 3 that her remaining 20 shows in 2026 would not go ahead, alleging she had only been paid for five of her 39 gigs so far.
Breakneck Comedy responds to allegations
In a statement posted to Instagram, Breakneck Comedy said it was "disappointed to have learned through social media one of our main comedians has announced the cancellation of the remainder of their Scottish tour." The promoter added that it was not contacted directly about the decision before the video was published.
The statement continued: "We strongly dispute the claims made about non payment, including the statement that the comedian has only been paid for five shows. Our position is that these claims are inaccurate, and we are seeking legal advice on this matter."
Low ticket sales and renegotiation attempts
Breakneck Comedy, an Aberdeen-based comedy club and multi-location event promoter founded by Naz Hussain, said rising costs, increased venue hire charges, and lower ticket sales across the tour led them to approach Dunbar about renegotiating the tour agreement fee and terms.
"As a small business, we simply cannot afford to take on all the work and costs of organising a 60 show tour only to sustain a significant loss overall," the statement said. The promoter claimed its proposal to renegotiate the fee to align with actual ticket sales was declined, and the matter was referred to her solicitor.
For future tours, Breakneck Comedy said it will move to agreed revenue splits instead of fixed guaranteed fees, adding: "We will provide a further update and full refunds for those affected. Thank you to our audiences, venues and staff for their patience and continued support."
Dunbar's announcement and next steps
Dunbar told fans: "Hello. I'm gutted to have to tell you this but my show has been cancelled. I've got 20 shows left, they'll not be going ahead." She said she had done 39 shows over the last two months, with one cancelled without her being told, and that she had been paid for five shows, adding "I can't go on."
Dunbar, who plans to take the promoter to court, clarified in a separate Instagram Story that her 2027 shows in Greenock, Peebles and Shotts will go ahead as her Doon The Waater tour is being organised by a different promoter, Punchline Promotions.
