Peter Kay’s Birmingham present evacuated after 45 minutes as comic ‘bundled off stage’
The comedian’s show was abruptly cancelled after just 45 minutes, with fans in the crowd saying there had been ‘no explanation’ and no warning anything was wrong
Peter Kay(Image: ITV)
Peter Kay was reportedly ‘bundled off stage’ in Birmingham as his stand-up gig was abruptly halted after just 45 minutes. The comedian had taken to the stage at the Utilita Arena Birmingham at 8pm tonight (Friday, May 1) but the performance was suddenly cut short.
Audience members reported there had been ‘no explanation’ and no prior indication anything was amiss before a member of the production team stepped on to the stage around 8.45pm to announce the show wouldn’t be resuming.
Some attendees claimed they had spotted police inside the arena, which was subsequently evacuated. The gig, part of a national tour with all profits earmarked for 12 leading cancer charities, had kicked off at 8pm, reports Birmingham Live.
Peter Kay is scheduled to perform at the same venue tomorrow night (Saturday, May 2). West Midlands Police have since revealed that they are dealing with reports of a suspicious bag and have arrested a 19-year-old man.
The building is being evacuated.
A spectator told BirminghamLive that everyone was instructed to vacate the venue by a member of the production team around 8.45pm.
They were informed the show “wouldn’t be continuing”.
One fan who attended the gig shared on X, formerly Twitter: “Just been evacuated out the Utilitia Arena Birmingham and Peter Kay bundled off stage,” adding a mind blown emoji.
Another posted a video of the arena being evacuated, writing: “Being evacuated from the Peter Kay gig in Birmingham. No information as to why.”
A third remarked: “Peter Kay gig in Birmingham has been cancelled 45mins in. Peter bundled off stage and the venue evacuated. Police on site. Stay safe, Birmingham.”
And a fourth added: “So not the evening we expected. Evacuated from Birmingham Utilita. Peter Kay brilliant for 45 mins then some p**** has to ruin it. All out safe and quickly.”
West Midlands Police took to X and posted: “We are carrying out an evacuation at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham after a potential suspicious bag was found.
“A 19-year-old man is in custody and as a precaution the site is currently subject of a search.“We will provide further updates when we can.”
