PETER KAY

Peter Kay

King George's Hall

AT the end, 1,800 people rose as one to give the perspiring figure on stage a standing ovation.

This was one of those special nights which anyone who was there will treasure.

Peter Kay, the Bolton-born comedian broke all box office records when this show sold out within 50 minutes. When word gets round as to just how funny this man is, the next one will probably sell out in five.

The star of Channel 4's Phoenix Nights and those John Smith's beer commercials was quite simply brilliant. On stage for well over two hours his beautifully observed comedy produced wave after wave of laughter.

Kay's humour is based around everyday events and that is why it works so well.

Leaning heavily on his roots, Kay's world is the one you and I grew up in. But he is a master storyteller, capturing the moment or a turn of phrase precisely and always with the same result.

I defy anyone to sit through his interpretation of a Sunday afternoon watching Bullseye or his description of a family wedding not to have tears rolling down their cheeks by the end.

With all new material -- and a few Phoenix Nights catchphrases thrown in this was simply a night to remember.

If you couldn't get a ticket, you missed out on a treat.

JOHN ANSON