Peter Kay’s “Better Late Than Never” tour has stirred mixed reactions, with fans taking to social media to vent frustrations.
Some were angered after having clips of his shows removed for copyright reasons, while others slammed the £150 ticket prices, claiming the comedian relied heavily on recycled material that didn’t land.
The 52-year-old comedian has been performing the tour since December 2022, but a growing chorus of disappointed audience members suggests that nostalgia alone isn’t enough to keep everyone laughing.
Social Media Sparks Fan Fury
One fan who attended Kay’s Newcastle show on Tuesday said he barely laughed during the performance and posted his verdict on TikTok: “Honest opinion, £150 for two tickets wasn’t worth it… Tonight I didn’t laugh, I laughed about twice in the second half.
Sorry Peter if you’re watching this, mate, it’s not for you no more.”
He later revealed that his post was removed for copyright reasons, a move that ignited complaints from other attendees who experienced the same issue.
Fans shared screenshots showing their posts—ranging from photos to videos—were taken down, amplifying the backlash.
Ticket Prices and “Old Material” Draw Criticism
Many attendees expressed disappointment over the cost of tickets versus the content of the show.
Comments ranged from frustration about paying for old routines to disappointment over singalongs to nostalgic adverts. Some wrote:
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“£150 to see someone who has £1.50p worth of entertainment, only time he’s funny is when he’s regurgitating old material.”
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“Took a family of 7 as a Christmas present. Felt like I’d been mugged. It was dire.”
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“Been doing the same material for 25 years; spent £200 per ticket and didn’t laugh once.”
Others compared the show to Pontins-style entertainment, highlighting its working-class, retro humour, which may not appeal to modern audiences expecting fresh material.
TikTok Amplifies Audience Critiques
Clips shared on TikTok further fueled discussion.
One user described traveling from Plymouth to Manchester, waiting two years for the show, and feeling let down by segments featuring singalongs to chocolate bar jingles like “a Mars a day helps you work, rest and play” and “a finger of Fudge is just enough.”
Many comments echoed the sentiment that the tour felt outdated, with viewers noting it relied too heavily on nostalgia and old routines, making the show seem stale.
Loyal Fans Still Defend Kay
Despite the criticism, Kay maintains a loyal fanbase.
Some viewers defended the tour, claiming the comedian was “hilarious” and elicited “belly laughs from start to finish.”
Others argued that online negativity may be exaggerated, with social media trends encouraging users to slam established stars for attention.
Supporters also noted the challenges comedians face today, citing concerns about being criticized for fear of offending anyone.
Handling Hecklers and On-Stage Interruptions
The tour has also seen on-stage incidents. Recently, Kay confronted a group of rowdy audience members at the O2 Arena in London, jokingly referencing a past incident with soap star Lisa Riley.
He managed to maintain control, and security eventually escorted the disruptive guests out, earning praise from fellow attendees for his professionalism.
One audience member noted: “Peter handled it really well.
This lot had obviously been drinking and weren’t there to enjoy the show.
We had paid £250 a person for the seats, and it spoiled what should have been a great night.”
A Tour with High Stakes
Peter Kay’s “Better Late Than Never” tour, which has grossed £27 million, represents his first live performances in over a decade.
While some fans continue to adore his work, others feel the comedy legend’s act leans too heavily on recycled material and nostalgic routines.
As the tour continues, Kay faces the challenge of balancing the expectations of loyal supporters with the scrutiny of modern audiences—and the ever-watchful eye of social media.
