Peter Kay plays three secret fundraising gigs on return to stage in Bolton - and raises more than £80,000

Stand up comedian, actor and writer Peter Kay took a break from his busy AO Arena residency to perform even closer to home. The man who brought us ‘Phoenix Nights’ performed three stand up gigs at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre on December 10 - his first time on stage in his home town for 20 years.

Kay announced his return to the stand-up circuit with a UK tour which included the AO Arena residency last year. He has since played dozens of shows, delighting audiences across the country. 

The three shows at the Bolton theatre were restricted to priority for Octagon members and patrons who support the venue. It was a huge day for the Octagon which was recently named as Manchester's Leading Arts and Culture Venue.

Unsurprisingly, the tickets sold out within minutes and around one thousand people attended the shows. Kay delivered new material to the Bolton crowd, one which has seen him become one of the best loved comedians in the country.  Kay has strong connections with the Octagon, he was part of the youth theatre organisation before he spent some time working in the box office. The money raised through the three gigs will be a significant help to the Octagon moving forward. 

Chief Executive at the Octagon, Roddy Gauld 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.”