Comedian Janey Godley cancels Stirling show as she pulls plug on autumn tour to focus on cancer battle
Comedian Janey Godley has taken the difficult decision to cancel her show at the city’s Albert Halls in November and halt touring “for the foreseeable future” as she continues to fight against ovarian cancer.
Godley, 63, has cancelled her autumn tour after her cancer returned and complications mean she’s unable to cope with the demands of a busy tour schedule.
The popular stand-up was a regular fixture of the Covid lockdowns with her spoof voice-overs of videos, particularly of then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Janey updated her fans with a video message posted on her X page.
She said: “I have to cancel my upcoming tour, I’m sorry but the cancer has spread and the Beatson cancer team have advised me to stop work.
“I’m currently in hospital with sepsis (it’s under control).
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“Please contact your theatre for a refund – I’m sorry everyone.”
Announcing the tour’s cancellation this week, a spokesperson for Godley said: “It is with huge sadness that we must announce the cancellation of Jane Godley’s autumn 2024 tour.
“Janey has been living with stage four ovarian cancer for the past few years and the treatment from the wonderful Scottish NHS has kept the disease at bay, but sadly in the last few weeks the cancer has returned and there have been a few added complications.
“Her doctors have now advised that she must stop work for the foreseeable future.
“Janey is absolutely devastated to let down her thousands of loyal fans, and the wonderful venues, she has played many times over the years.
“She would like to thank everyone for their love and support at this difficult time.”
The Albert Halls had been due to host Godley’s show on Saturday, November 9.
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The venue this week said that tickets for the event will be automatically refunded “within a few days”.
They added: “If you have any issues or questions, please get in touch with our Box Office team.”
The Glaswegian hit the headlines in 2016 when she visited Trump Turnberry to confront Donald Trump.
In 2008 she won the Fringe Report Award as ‘Best Performer’ and two Nivea Funny Women Fringe Awards – as ‘Best Stand-Up’ and, overall, for ‘Best Show’.
In 2009, the New Zealand Comedy Guild nominated Janey as ‘Best International Guest’; they had also nominated her on each of her previous visits in 2002, 2006 and 2008.
In 2012, a regular Tweeter, her live Twitter description of a couple’s rapidly-deteriorating relationship on a train became a viral sensation and caused a media debate on personal privacy.
At the Edinburgh Fringe that August, she staged a one-off play based on the incident.
Meanwhile, in 2014, her weekly podcast was shortlisted in the comedy category of the ninth annual People’s Choice Podcast Awards in the US.