Today's cancellations in brief

Nick Helm has postponed his upcoming Phoenix from the Flames tour. Writing on Twitter he said: ‘Inevitably & regrettably, what with everything going on at the moment, I’m postponing my upcoming tour. We’re working on re-scheduling all dates so I’ll let you know what’s happening as soon as I know. Apologies for any inconvenience, but obviously I didn’t fuck a bat.’

The virus is causing huge disruption to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, with Oran Mor venue cancelling its shows for the week and the Britannia Panopticon  and the Hug And Pint closing until further notice, and widespread axing of other shows across the programme.

Komedia Brighton has closed until March 31, and called on ticket-holders to donate to the venue and its staff rather than ask for a refund. In a statement, they said: ‘Anyone who wishes to do so can convert their ticket money into a donation to the venue and our staff at this difficult time. As an independent, unfunded arts venue these are unprecedented times and we appreciate your continued support in this difficult climate.’

The Frog And Bucket in Manchester is offering distance learning in stand-up and comedy writing, pairing customers with a pro comic who will give five hours one-on-one coaching for £200. More details can be found at https://frogandbucket.com/comedy-course/

As announced this morning, the Machynlleth Comedy Festival has been cancelled.

The Teenage Cancer Trust shows at the Royal Albert Hall next week have been cancelled, including Tuesday’s comedy fundraiser with Alan Carr, John Bishop, Paul Chowdhry, Russell Kane, Seann Walsh and Suzi Ruffell. Kate Collins, chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: ‘We are, obviously, very disappointed that we have had to announce this. I’d like to thank everyone who committed their time and support to this year’s shows for their understanding.’

The remaining dates for the tour from The Fast Show’s Arabella Weir, Does My Mum Loom Big In This?, are no longer taking place as scheduled. 

Topical radio comedies The Now Show and Newsjack are to be taped without a studio audience, and the Celebrity Juice audience was sent home unexpectedly. More

Published: 17 Mar 2020