The UK’s biggest-selling arena artist, Peter Kay, spent Easter in Glasgow, performing two sold-out shows at the OVO Hydro, part of a series of final arena shows, with all profits donated to 12 leading cancer charities.

Peter Kay was on sparkling form for two shows in Glasgow, delighting an enthusiastic audience with jokes and stories from his career and a sing-along extravaganza finale. During the course of his show on Friday he addressed the Glasgow crowd directly: “You’ve been brilliant. It’s always been brilliant here. Right from the start.” The comedian shared that he has a family connection to Glasgow, saying he remembers coming up to meet cousins and aunties in Partick.

He then remembered an early gig he played in a pub in Maryhill: “The owner asked me how I wanted the lights for the show. I asked what are the options. He said on or off.” That may have been a convenient way to get a local laugh but throughout the show, Kay demonstrated a genuine affection for Glasgow and a familiarity with the city.

Chief commercial officer at the SEC, Debbie McWilliams, said: "Peter has a long association with the Scottish Event Campus, dating back to his first appearance at the SEC in 2010 and subsequent tours of 2011 and 2023, which visited the OVO Hydro. His shows here have been among some of our most anticipated, his dates in 2023 sold out within minutes.”

Now in its fourth record-breaking year, Peter’s live run has become one of the most successful in comedy tour history. The star of Phoenix Nights returned to live comedy after 12 years to embark on a run of shows with all profits going to charity.

During the show, Kay remarked that he has been lucky enough through his career to meet many of his heroes, including Billy Connolly. He has shared his admiration for Connolly over the years, saying “I think a lot of comedians in this country would not be doing what they did if it weren’t for him. I think so much of it is influenced by him, heavily.”

Peter Kay introduced his run of shows saying:“It’s been the greatest privilege of my life to perform for audiences up and down thecountry. I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support over the years, and it feelsright to give something back. Every single penny of profit from these final shows will go to help fight cancer and support those affected.

“Unfortunately, just about everyone knows someone who’s been affected by one of the cancers on that list. I really hope people can get behind this - come out, have a great night, share a few laughs, and do something good for charity at the same time. It’s a win–win.

“You don’t even have to like me - raising money for these twelve charities goes far beyond that. Together, we really can make a difference.”

A tour de force of nostalgia, memories, with some surprises, the joyful show brought together all the strands of Peter Kay’s remarkable career and his ability to make a tangible connection with the audience.