Comedian Karen Dunbar has scrapped the remaining 20 shows of her stand-up tour claiming the event’s promoters have failed to pay her.
The Bafta-award winning Chewin’ the Fat sketch show star was due to perform the 40th show of her latest Scottish tour Aw Roon the Hooses! but says the Breakneck Comedy show was cancelled without her knowledge, adding that she has only been paid for five of her shows.
Describing the stress of the situation as “unbelievable” and apologising to her fans, Dunbar posted on social media stating that she would be cancelling the remainder of her tour due to the promoters being unable to fulfil their commitments.
“I’m gutted to tell you this but my tour is cancelled”, she said.
“I’ve got 20 shows left - they’ll not be going ahead. And the reason is because the promoter hasn’t been paying me.
“I’ve been doing the tour for the last two months, I’ve done 39 shows, it would have been 40 but one of the shows was cancelled without me being told. I’ve been paid for five shows so I can’t go on.
“Honestly, I’ve never been in a situation like this in my life, the stress has been unbelievable and I am so sorry for the people that have bought tickets and won’t be coming.”
She added that “hopefully” her fans will be refunded through the promoter.
Dunbar also said she would be going to court over the dispute.
“There will probably be more stuff coming out because we’re going to court”, she added. “What a time, but I will see you in other shows, don’t you worry I will be there.”
Becoming emotional in the video she thanked everyone who has supported her, saying: “Totally fell the emotion of this, thanks to everybody that supported me, and onward and upward. Catch you soon.”
Dunbar later clarified this would not affect her upcoming shows in Greenock, Peebles and Shotts which are with a different promoter, Punchline Promotions.
Celebrated as one of Scotland’s best-known comedy actors and DJs, Karen began her career in sketch show Chewin’ the Fat before going on to star in her own comedy show, The Karen Dunbar Show, which received four nominations for the Golden Rose European TV Awards.
Karen has trod the boards in everything from Glasgow Panto to West End Classics, performed Burns, Shakespeare, stand-up, DJ’d in New York and Ibiza, and in 2014 she opened the Commonwealth Games in front of one billion viewers.
From Oran Mor to the National Theatre, Karen has captivated audiences with a mix of comedy, music and acting talents and last year she toured Scotland playing 80 dates around the country which was filmed for the BBC.
This brand new show from Breakneck Comedy included many of her old classics for audiences to enjoy.