Stand-up comedian Rhod Gilbert has postponed his show in Swansea until next year due to his struggle with neck and throat pain. The comedian was due to perform at Swansea Arena on Thursday, July 14 in front of a sell-out audience. But less than a week before the 'Book Of John' show was due to take place, the performer has had to make the tough decision, which he told his fans "came with a very heavy heart."
The 53-year-old Carmarthen comic has explained that he is due to undergo surgery next week, meaning he will need time to recuperate afterwards. As well as Swansea, he has also had to postpone his dates in Hereford, Yeovil and Truro. He has apologised for the inconvenience, but vowed to his fans that all tickets will remain valid for a rearranged date in the future. Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
Swansea Arena has announced that Rhod will now perform at the venue on Friday, January 13 next year instead, adding in a statement: "Unfortunately, Rhod Gilbert, his team and the team here at Swansea Arena have tried in earnest to make a snap change of date work, but next week's performance of The Book of John has been rescheduled. We wish Rhod a speedy recovery, and we know that the show will be worth the wait! All tickets will remain valid for the new date. If you are unable to attend on the new date, please visit our Help Centre or call our Customer Contact Centre on 03330 096 690 for information on the options available."
In a statement posted on his social media page, Rhod wrote: "It is with a very heavy heart that after this weekend, the 'Book of John' tour will be paused. Leicester tomorrow (Saturday July 9) will go ahead as scheduled, but the remaining dates thereafter are being postponed (Swansea, Hereford, Yeovil, and Truro). As many of you will know, I’ve been struggling with pain in my neck and throat over the past few months. I’ve been receiving treatment, and have continued to tour where possible.
"I had sincerely hoped to go ahead with all dates as scheduled, but I’m afraid that is not going to be possible. I am due to have surgery next week and will be hanging up my boots for a while whilst I recuperate. We are currently working to reschedule all remaining shows for early 2023 (as-well as Bath and Barnstaple, which have already been postponed). All original tickets will be valid for the new dates so please bear with us whilst we work everything out, and expect an update early next week.
"I know how frustrating this is. We do not take these decisions lightly, and we are so sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you all - along with all the wonderful venues and staff, for your patience and understanding. I have loved every one of the 200 or so ‘Book of John’ shows we have done. I am genuinely gutted that we didn’t get to do the last seven shows as planned, but, rest assured, we will do everything we can to finish what we started!"
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