Peter Kay made a triumphant return to the stage at the Manchester Apollo on Saturday, receiving a standing ovation during a charity Q&A event. The Bolton-born comedian described the comeback as 'like getting in a hot bath', marking his first live performance in years.
The two 'Doing it for Laura' events are raising funds for Laura Nuttall, a 20-year-old diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain cancer. Initially given 12 to 18 months to live, Nuttall has undergone immunotherapy in Germany thanks to previous fundraising. Her sister Gracie introduced Kay, expressing the family's eternal gratitude to the audience for 'potentially saving my sister's life'.
Kay admitted feeling nervous earlier in the day but warmed to the occasion. He joked about lateral flow tests, noting fans had brought them 'to the gate in bags'. The comedian answered pre-submitted questions selected from a tub of Roses sweets. When asked about the potential return of the TV series 'Max and Paddy', he revealed that two Christmas specials were written but never made, adding 'you never know'.
He also shared anecdotes about holidaying at Eric Clapton's home in France and trying indoor sky-diving. Addressing a fan query about his famous 'garlic bread' sketch, Kay quipped that he is now too embarrassed to buy it in supermarkets. Tickets for the shows sold out within 30 minutes when released on 30 July.
Kay has largely stayed out of the spotlight since 2018, apart from a brief radio appearance in January 2021. He cancelled his last tour in December 2017 due to 'unforeseen family circumstances'.
