Renowned comedian Peter Kay found himself in a sticky situation during his recent live show at Manchester’s AO Arena, as he was forced to take action against unruly audience members disrupting his performance. The incident unfolded when two hecklers continuously interrupted Kay’s act, prompting him to call on security to remove them from the venue.
The first heckler, a man who repeatedly shouted Kay’s famous catchphrase “Garlic bread” from the TV series Phoenix Nights, was swiftly escorted out by arena staff at Kay’s request. Following this, a woman, whom Kay humorously dubbed “Lisa Riley” due to her resemblance to the actress, was also asked to leave after persistently calling out the comedian’s name.
Reflecting on the incident, Kay explained that the disruptive behavior of the hecklers had reached a point where it became impossible for him to continue his performance. Despite his initial attempts to address the interruptions with humor, the disruptions persisted, leading Kay to seek feedback from the surrounding audience members. Over 40 individuals indicated that they were bothered by the noise, prompting Kay to make the difficult decision to have the hecklers removed.
In an ironic twist, the woman likened to Lisa Riley expressed feeling “annoyed and upset” by Kay’s actions, particularly taking offense to the weight-related comments made during the exchange. However, Kay clarified that his intention was not to insult her appearance but rather to maintain a conducive environment for the paying audience, who deserved an uninterrupted show experience.
The incident, captured on video and circulated by various media outlets, showcased Kay’s quick wit and composure in handling the hecklers. Rather than letting the disruptions derail his performance, Kay engaged with the situation in a lighthearted manner before resorting to security intervention. He quipped about the man being “garlic dead” as he was escorted out and playfully dubbed the woman “Lisa Riley” as she was also removed from the premises.
While reactions to Kay’s handling of the hecklers varied among audience members and online commentators, the comedian stood by his decision to prioritize the overall show experience for the majority of attendees. Acknowledging the rarity of such incidents during his extensive touring career, Kay emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere for all audience members.
Despite the mixed reception to the ejections, with some expressing disappointment and others applauding Kay’s actions, the comedian remained steadfast in his commitment to delivering a top-notch performance. As the controversy surrounding the incident continued to garner attention on social media, Kay received support from fans who appreciated his efforts to uphold the integrity of the live show.
In a statement addressing the aftermath of the incident, the actual Lisa Riley chimed in to dispel any misconceptions about feeling offended, asserting her admiration for Kay and the power of laughter in overcoming such situations. With humor and grace, Kay navigated the challenges presented by the disruptive hecklers, ultimately ensuring that the show could
