Fight disrupts TV comic’s gig
THERE was a distinct lack of comedy at a Katherine Ryan stand-up gig last weekend when a fight broke out on the back row.
But the Canadian comic took it all in her stride and kept cracking the gags while venue security did their best to get matters under control.
The 34-year-old was on stage at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre on Saturday night when the mood turned a little sour.
One fan, who was at the event, said: “She thought someone was ill... but we later chatted to the people sitting next to them and got the real story.
“It broke out because some girl was talking too loud throughout... some dude stepped up as it was stupid.
“So it turned into a brawl even though the girl was the person who was fighting – the dude was dragged out.”
Ryan was all too aware of the punch-up in the middle of her act but ploughed on like a real trouper.
After the gig, the Mock The Week contestant took to Twitter to tell her followers: “The tweets about it are so funny but FOR REAL I hope no-one was hurt. “I love Southport.” Others who were at the comedy night went on social media to offer their slant on the scuffle.
Gary Stinson wrote: “Just been to see Katherine Ryan at Southport and a fight broke out at the back which stopped the show for 10 mins.
“Katherine didn’t go off stage but kept going, off-script, until it was sorted. “Brilliant and memorable show.” Porlsbury Doughboy wrote: “Just having a quick fight break at @Kathbum [Katherine Ryan]. “Seriously. “Stay classy Southport.” James Perch wrote: “Apparently someone stood up and person behind asked them to sit down.
“The request wasn’t taken well. Fracas ensued. Kerfuffle indeed.”
And Phil Hughes said: “Man and woman arguing for most of show and when people had enough of it, and said something, a fight ensued.”
General manger at Southport The- atre and Convention Centre Lisa Chu said: “There was an incident on Saturday night at the Southport Theatre involving two sets of customers who were abusive with each other.
“This incident was dealt with swiftly and professionally by the venue team.
“Incidents of this nature are very rare at this venue but on this occasion due to the dreadful behaviour of the select number of guests an ejection had to be made.
“During this brief time, Katherine Ryan carried on with her performance which was well received by a sell-out audience.’’
Ms Chu added: “At the end of the show Katherine herself thanked the venue staff for dealing with the situation so quickly and said how much she had enjoyed her visit to Southport.”