Update February 4 from promoters SJM Concerts:
"Following the unfortunate cancellation of Saturday’s show part way through the second act, the cast and crew have been working hard to try and reschedule the event to enable ticket holders to watch the show in its entirety. After much investigation a matinee performance of Phoenix Nights Live will now take place on Sunday 15th February with doors opening at 1.00pm and show starting at 2.30pm.
Update February 1, 7pm. Peter Kay has now issued the following statement on social media regarding the collapse of Phoenix Nights cast member Ted Robbins last night: "My thoughts, prayers and love to Ted, Judy and all of the family. So happy that Ted is in right place and getting the care he needs. Thanks to the audience, cast and crew for being so understanding last night xxxx"
Comedian Ted Robbins is in hospital in a stable condition after collapsing onstage during the opening night of the Phoenix Night run at the Manchester Arena last night. He was rushed to the Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Robbins, who plays Den Perry, the club-running rival of Peter Kay’s Brian Potter, was onstage alone when, according to reports, he clutched his chest and fell to the ground. The curtains were brought down and it was announced that the rest of the performance was cancelled.
The incident occurred shortly after the interval. According to the BBC the audience initially thought that this was a scripted part of the show until they were told what had happened and everyone was asked to leave the building.
Robbins, 59, is a well-known TV comedian and actor. He has been in many shows including Little Britain, Benidorm and Birds of a Feather. He is the brother of comedian Kate Robbins. Reports say that his family was in the audience. John Bishop and Jason Manford were also watching the show and both tweeted their hopes that Robbins makes a full recovery.
The show was the first performance in a run of 15 in aid of Comic Relief. At the time of writing the rest of the shows are due to go ahead as planned.
