Topic: Billy Connolly ends comedy shows early after heckles

[Simon]

Comedian Billy Connolly has been criticised for ending two stand-up shows in a week early, due to hecklers.

Fans were left disappointed in Blackpool last weekend after the comic walked off stage 20 minutes early after verbal abuse from audience members.

A few days before, he also cut short a gig in Scarborough.

A spokeswoman for Connolly declined to comment on the incidents but said the comic's tour would continue in Llandudno, Wales, on Friday.

Fans reported the 69-year-old Scot walked out of the Blackpool gig after he was interrupted during one of his jokes.

Ffyona McKeating, who attended the show in Blackpool, told the Blackpool Gazette: "It was such an anti climax and I felt he should have been used to hecklers."

Another person said: "I think he should have had consideration for the majority instead of spoiling it because of one heckler. When he left the stage he wasn't smiling and didn't thank the audience for attending."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16870595

Time to hang up the mic, Billy?   

[sam]

I think that happened a while ago.

[Simon]

I would have thought that a professional with his experience should have been able to deal with a heckler, but equally, the venues should have policies to throw people out who continually disrupt a performance.   

[Rik]

I agree on both points - but at one time he'd have taken it in his stride.