Review: Peter Kay, LG Arena, Birmingham

Peter Kay, LG Arena, Birmingham

Funnyman Peter Kay hasn't toured for seven years, and his current tour was well overdue judging by the roars of laughter at Birmingham's LG Arena last night, writes Lisa Wright.

The comedian was back for a second stint in Birmingham of The Tour That Doesn't Tour Tour after a sell-out run at the NIA in April.

Performing to a packed crowd, Kay said it was good to return to "the NEC"where he had seen some of his first live concerts. What then followed was what he does best – observational humour with "a bit of blue for the dads".

Tales about his family included his nan's ThighPhone and Sky+ box, as well as his mum's roast dinners and birthday teas.

While his school days and the "thick table" made my cheeks hurt with laughter, his trusty handheld tape player returned for him to reveal his own questionable lyrics for hits including Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On and Duffy's Mercy, which was hilarious.

Kay has firmly established himself as one of England's finest and funniest comedians, and topping the performance off with a show-stopping performance of Queen's We Are The Champions, complete with fire and pyrotechnics, proved that his is at the top of his game when it comes to entertainment.

The Bolton comedian looked to be enjoying the show every bit as much as the audience.

Over the years, he's built on the success of Phoenix Nights, which proved that life's characters can always be relied on for laughs.

Fans like me, who thought Peter Kay's Britain's Got The Pop Factor And Possibly A New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly On Ice was not his finest hour, would have had their fears put to rest by this show.

I for one hope last night's reception will inspire a new TV series in the same spirit as Phoenix Nights, or the equally entertaining That Peter Kay Thing.

If there are any tickets left, don't miss out. The seven years was well worth the wait.