Peter Kay 2023 tour: where could comedian perform in Birmingham - and when will he announce dates?

Comedy icon Peter Kay is a name familiar to people around the UK. His stand up shows and sitcoms have delighted audiences for years.

It has been several years since the comedian from Bolton was last in the public eye, but this break away from the spotlight could soon change.

There have been suggestions that Kay is lining up a return to comedy as early as next year, with some of the biggest cities in the UK potentially playing host.

Here’s what we know so far about his potential return, when any dates may be announced, and where he might play in Birmingham.

When did Peter Kay last tour?

The last time Peter Kay toured the arenas of the UK was back in 2009 with his ‘The Tour That Didn’t Tour, Tour.’

Following an eight year hiatus, Kay had a mammoth tour due to start in 2017 that would have seen him play over 100 dates.

This tour was cancelled, with the comedian citing the reason as “unforeseen family circumstances.”

Kay took to Twitter at the time to release a statement informing fans of the cancellation.

He said: “Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I deeply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects.

“This unfortunately includes my upcoming standup tour, Dance for Life shows and any outstanding live work commitments.

“My sincerest apologies. This decision has not been taken lightly and I’m sure you’ll understand my family must always come first.”

When could he announce a new tour?

Reports have suggested that Peter Kay is lining up an arena tour which would take place in 2023.

A source told the Sun Newspaper "He [Peter Kay] has lined up huge venues across the country including in Manchester, London and Birmingham and is hoping to announce it in September."

This would mean that confirmation of a tour could come in as little as three months’ time.

The rumours can also be backed by a quote given by fellow comedian Jason Mandford to a Dublin radio station.

Mandford said he believes Peter will be: “back to himself soon doing stand-up, so keep your eye out for his tour.”

Where could Peter Kay perform in Birmingham?

Birmingham is far from short of great indoor venues for stand up comedians to perform in.

It seems likely that, should Peter Kay come to Birmingham, he will perform in one of two venues.

One potential venue is the Utilita Arena. Located centrally in Birmingham, the arena has a maximum capacity of just under 16,000.

This makes it the third largest indoor area in the UK.

The other potential venue would be the Resorts World Arena located in the outskirts of the city.

With a capacity of 15,600, the venue would be ideal for the doubtless thousands of fans who would be interested in getting tickets for any future Birmingham show.

Who is Peter Kay?

Peter Kay is an actor, comedian and writer who was born in Bolton, Lancashire in 1973.

His most notable contribution to the world of sitcoms is arguably ‘Phoenix Nights’, the story of a group of people who own and run a club in the Greater Manchester area. The show ran for two series and a one series spin off, called ‘Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere, spawned from it.

Kay has sold out shows in cities across the country, and his reminiscent humour has made it so he’s now got a fan base that spans the ages.