Over a decade since his last performance here, tickets for Peter Kay's return to Belfast go on sale today.
The Bolton-born comedian recently announced shows all over the UK and Ireland as part of his first stand-up tour in 12 years. Fans in Northern Ireland were thrilled to find two Belfast dates had been added to the schedule, with the 49-year-old set to perform at the SSE Arena in February 2023.
Read more: Peter Kay tickets Belfast: Everything you need to know ahead of general sale
Today's general sale has fans in Northern Ireland feeling nostalgic over the comedian's past gigs. Many have been reflecting on the laughs he has given them from both stage and screen.
"Seen him last time he was here, was amazing. Will definitely try for this one," Reddit user Werdoomed4112 wrote.
In the same Reddit forum post, user Anndeeruu added: "Saw him in the Odyssey all those years ago. His sketch with misheard music lyrics is one of my favourite sketches."
User Ohmyblahblah recalled an early NI performance by the comic at Queen's University SU around 1996/97. "He wasn't even the headliner! He was very good though," they said.
Belfast Live reader Letia Anderson wrote on Facebook: "Best comedian around... laughed the whole way [through] his last concert!"
In another Reddit forum, user Proliberate1 said what we were all thinking: "I have never been able to say garlic bread the same way." User AidanCues agreed, replying: "Same here! Plus I still look at the rain and think, oh that's that thin rain, I'll get soaked right through!"
User Exile2011 was even happy to claim him as one of our own, writing, "Good wee Coalisland lad, can’t wait to see him." Though Kay is a northerner in the English sense of the word, his mum hails from the Co Tyrone town.
These Coalisland roots likely contribute to his popularity over here. Many of his jokes resonate with those who grew up with a typical 'Northern Ireland mammy'.
"I have to say I loved his last tour. Part of the attraction was his mum being from NI and of a similar generation to my parents," user Mario_911 explained. "So I could relate to a lot of his jokes on family/growing up."
The upcoming show dates mark Kay's first time performing in Northern Ireland since 'the Tour That Didn't Tour Tour' in 2010-11 (when the SSE was the Odyssey). After an overwhelming response to the Belfast gigs of December 2010 - in which he completed a sold-out, five-night run at the arena - he returned for an additional three nights in February 2011.
The new tour will be a welcome comeback for Kay, who has been on hiatus in recent years. Since cancelling a tour in 2017, the comedian has not performed live stand-up outside of the occasional charity gig.
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