Tour gigs cancelled to avoid World Cup clash

Tonight’s World Cup semi-final has played havoc with comedy shows.

Countless gigs have been pulled to avoid clashing with the England v Croatia showdown – and not just small clubs and Edinburgh previews.

Jason Manford has rescheduled his tour show in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, after asking his fans on Twitter what he should do.

He agreed to ‘bow under the weight of an expectant and hopeful nation’ and drop the engagement.

The gig had already been rescheduled once. Manford had been due to play the 1,700-seat Gordon Craig Theatre in March, but the ‘Beast from the East’ struck, prompting him to cancel because of the snow.

Chris Ramsey has also decided to reschedule his tour show in Ulverston, Cumbria, from tonight to September 19.

He wrote on social media: ‘The gig is sold out and I was really looking forward to it... but I get a feeling not everyone would be turning up due to the fact that it’s coming home. 

‘So accept my apologies, watch the match and enjoy your night, and I’ll see you all at the rescheduled show.’

However, some performances will be ploughing ahead regardless, including the filming of Harry Hill’s sitcom pilot – in which Jennifer Saunders plays his mum –  at Pinewood Studios (Tickets), and Sarah Millican’s tour date in High Wycombe.

Published: 11 Jul 2018