'Incoherent' Thomson disappoints fans

Cold Feet star John Thomson stunned fans by mumbling incoherently through his stand-up set and even repeating the same gags.

Now the comic, who has recently overcome a much-publicised battle with drink, has agreed to stage the show again for those left disappointed by his performance.

The incident happened on Friday night at a £13-a-head show at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, following his appearances in the play Hobson's Choice which has been attracting rave reviews.

One underwhelmed fan said: "He wasn't at all funny. It was embarrassing to watch. He treated his audience with complete contempt."

Another added: "Watching him struggle to remember punchlines was painful - his performance was dire."

Phil Kerr, 32, from Rochdale, told the Manchester Evening News: "The performance was woeful and he was only on the stage for about 20 minutes," he said. "He came on first as Bernard Right-On, but he was mumbling and told the same jokes a couple of times. "

The comic's publicist said Thompson acknowledged his performance was "below standard and disappointing".

He told the paper: "It is fair to say that he did have a drink. He has said that he was not drinking heavily and only had one or two. John has never said he would give up drink completely, so it's not as if he's fallen off the wagon."

"The rearranged show will leave nobody disappointed,'' he promised.

The venue has not replied to Chortle's requests for a comment.

Published: 16 Jun 2003