Beloved British comedian Peter Kay has pinpointed the exact, uproarious moment during a school production that convinced him he was destined for a life in comedy. Speaking to his friend Sara Cox on BBC Radio 2, the Bolton-born funnyman opened up about his early years, his new memoir, and the legendary comics who inspired him.
The Roaring Start: A Lion in The Wizard of Oz
Kay revealed that despite attending a school run by nuns who were "not very theatrical," his comedic calling became undeniable during a performance of The Wizard of Oz. He had auditioned for and won the role of the Cowardly Lion. "That was a real… the moment. I thought I really love making people laugh," Kay confessed.
The story didn't end there. On the final night of the four-night run, Kay decided to improvise. Despite having missed dance rehearsals, he joined in during a scene, dancing around the stage to the audience's delight. His antics escalated when he spotted older pupils dressed as trees. "I danced up and cocked my leg up on them," he recalled, sending the crowd into hysterics.
His triumph was short-lived, however. In the interval, a nun he jokingly referred to as Sister Sledge confronted him. "It’s not your show, there’s other people in the show. You have got to think about them," she admonished before asking, "Is that what you want to be when you grow up? A comedian?" Kay wanted to say yes, but noted, "her hand was round me windpipe."
Comedy Heroes and Heartfelt Letters
During the wide-ranging interview, Kay spoke movingly about the comedians he idolised, expressing his fortune at having met them. He shared a particularly touching story about the late Ronnie Barker, star of the classic sitcom Porridge.
After writing to Barker as a fan, Kay received a reply that moved him to tears. "One day, this letter came, and it said ‘prison’, and I thought ‘who’s written to me from prison?’" he said. The letter was penned in character as inmate Norman Fletcher from HMP Slade, complete with a fictional tale about stealing paper from the prison library. "He wrote this two-page letter all about being in prison," Kay recounted.
He also discussed his friendship with Billy Connolly, whom he still keeps in touch with. "I think a lot of comedians in this country would not be doing what they did if it weren’t for him," Kay stated, acknowledging The Big Yin's profound influence on a generation of comics.
New Book, Extended Tour, and Charitable Plans
Peter Kay was promoting his new publication, 'Peter Kay's Diary: The Monthly Memoir Of a Boy From Bolton', during the Radio 2 appearance. He expressed his enjoyment of writing, despite famously failing to get a GCSE in English.
In other significant news, Kay has extended his hugely popular tour. The final shows next year, part of his 'Better Late Than Never' run, will see all proceeds donated to twelve different cancer charities, a gesture highlighting his ongoing philanthropic efforts.
The comedian also touched on personal topics, including his ongoing battle to lose weight, rounding out a candid and characteristically funny conversation with host Sara Cox.
* Peter Kay's Diary: The Monthly Memoir Of a Boy From Bolton is out now. Sara Cox is on BBC Radio 2 on weekdays from 4-7pm.
