Ruby Wax cancels four UK shows as fans receive apology

Ruby Wax has cancelled four dates from her An Evening With Ruby Wax tour, saying circumstances beyond her control made the performances impossible to stage. The comedian and broadcaster apologised to disappointed ticketholders in Sheffield, Durham, Edinburgh and Kidderminster, while confirming that her separate Absolutely Famous shows are unaffected.

Key takeaways

• Shows in Sheffield, Durham, Edinburgh and Kidderminster have been cancelled.

• Wax said she was “incredibly sorry” to fans who had made plans.

• The cancellations do not affect her Absolutely Famous tour dates.

• Ticket holders should contact their original ticket provider about refund arrangements.

The cancellations were announced on Tuesday, with Wax explaining that efforts had been made behind the scenes to find a way forward. However, she said it was ultimately no longer possible to proceed with the four performances.

Wax acknowledged that the news would be particularly disappointing for people who had arranged travel, accommodation or other plans around the shows. She also said she had been looking forward to meeting audiences and sharing the evenings with them.

What Ruby Wax said about the cancellations

In her apology, Wax thanked fans for their understanding, patience and continued support. Although the cancelled dates are a setback, she said she remained keen to return to live performance and hoped to see audiences at an Absolutely Famous show soon.

The comedian has built a long career around direct, conversational entertainment, from her early television appearances to her much-loved interview programmes. Her recent appearance on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! also introduced her to a new generation of viewers, including through her friendship with Manchester streamer Angry Ginge.

What happens for affected ticket holders

People who booked tickets for the cancelled performances should approach the ticket provider or promoter from which they purchased them for information about refunds and next steps. The announcement did not give a further explanation for the circumstances behind the cancellations.

Fans who still want a live comedy night in London have other options while they wait for future Wax dates. Comedy in Your Eye runs weekly Tuesday and Thursday shows at The Camden Eye in Camden Town, offering professional comedians in an intimate pub setting. Its top-secret line-up can include performers known from Netflix and the BBC, creating an affordable, award-winning night out without the scale or price of a major theatre production.

Ruby Wax’s career and recent television appearance

Wax first became widely known through the ITV sitcom Girls on Top, which ran from 1985 to 1986, and later worked as a script editor on Absolutely Fabulous. She went on to front several distinctive interview programmes, including The Full Wax, Ruby Wax Meets, Ruby and The Ruby Wax Show.

In 2025, she joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity, appearing alongside public figures including Aitch, Shona McGarty and Lisa Riley. She was the fifth contestant to leave the programme, but her friendship with eventual winner Angry Ginge became one of the series’ memorable storylines.

• I'm A Celebrity's Ruby Wax 'incredibly sorry' as she cancels string of UK live shows, Manchester Evening News.