Comic goes in for new surgery

Rhod Gilbert has postponed his live shows next month, despite responding well to his cancer treatment.

The 54-year-old comic has now been hit by gallstones and a recurring gallbladder infection that need new surgery. It means the last shows in his Book Of John tour scheduled for January have been put back to May and June.

Writing on Facebook, Gilbert said: ‘Thanks again for all your kind words and support. As you probably know I’m recovering well from my cancer treatment and can’t wait to get back to work next year. Happy days.

‘Less happy days, I’ve been thrown another curveball in the form of gallstones and recurring gallbladder infections that kick like a donkey and need hospital treatment.

‘I am having surgery to remove the offending gallbladder, and this is scheduled to happen early in the New Year. So I hate doing this, but I am going to have to postpone my January tour shows.

‘I genuinely can’t wait to get back on stage, but on doctor’s advice, I’ll have to wait a little longer and we are postponing the remaining 7 shows.’

It comes just days after giving an optimistic update on his treatment, telling BBC Radio Wales: ‘ ‘I’m feeling happy, positive and optimistic. I’m feeling good and feel like I’m recovering day-by-day. I’ve got a feeling when I’ve got through all this there’ll be a show in it.’

In the interview, he also revealed that the cancer, which he first disclosed in the summer, had reached stage 4.

Gilbert has been receiving surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, which he had previously raised funds for, and the University Hospital of Wales.

He said last week: ‘Thanks to their tireless dedication and incredible care, and lots of wonderful support from friends, family and you lot, I am recovering well, laughing a lot and feeling happy and positive; we are all optimistic that I will come through this.’

Gilbert has just released Book Of John as a DVD and digital download, and the rescheduled dates are:

January 7: Truro Hall for Cornwall rescheduled to May 20
January 13:  Swansea Arena  rescheduled to May 19
January 18: Yeovil Octagon rescheduled to June  10 at  Yeovil Westlands
January  19: Barnstaple Queens Theatre  rescheduled to June 11
January 21: Bath Forum rescheduled to  May 27
January  26 & 27: Hereford Courtyard rescheduled to May 14 & 15

Published: 20 Dec 2022