WEBLINKS
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 |  | Review by Victoria Minett of the Coventry and Warwickshire website team
They said a few years ago that comedy was the new rock and roll - a theory that died on its a..e almost immediately when people realised that although the likes of Rob Newman and David Baddiel could sell-out Wembley Stadium, there weren't that many people that actually liked them.
Comedy in recent times has been split almost into two separate categories.
There was "alternative", featuring the too-clever-for-their-own-good types who everyone said they liked even though they didn't (see above) and "traditional", the likes of Mike Reid and other members of the frilly shirt and dicky bow brigade, who you couldn't say you liked even if you did.
Very few people since the 80s have crossed the divide and appealed to grandmothers, 20 and 30-somethings and students looking for a cult to quote over and over again - but the genius that is Peter Kay steps over the breech with aplomb.
Genius is a word too often bandied about at unworthies, but Kay truly is a master at a type of humour that relies solely on the observation of characters from his native Bolton - who actually hail from everyone's families. Like Victoria Wood - but funnier.
 If comedy does turn out to be the new rock and roll then Peter Kay is Elvis
 | Μύ | Victoria Minett
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At the Arts Centre, Kay received a standing ovation after a set that discussed everything from imitation book video cases to the tea-withstanding ability of Hob Nob biscuits ("they're like Marines") and Sunday afternoons watching Bullseye.
The energetic Kay uses two main scenarios in his show, the first half based around "Connie from Upstairs'" funeral (how many mothers have asked "guess who's dead?") and the second around a family wedding.
| Μύ |  | Peter Kay is the comedy equivalent of the King
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Both you could really see as part of Phoenix Nights or That Peter Kay thing (some of the observations during the show had been used in the programmes) but Kay's diction brings everything to life without the aid of the usual suspects.
Kay's show literally brought on hysterics - I got through several tissues and my partner, who is not a big fan, was rolling too - and demonstrated why he had to add 40 dates to the original 10 date tour to satisfy the demand of thousands of fans.
Sell your granny if you must to get a ticket, it's a truly unmissable show and even the uninitiated - who may not pick up the in-jokes, like Rola Cola and garlic bread - will crack a smile.
If comedy does turn out to be the new rock and roll then Peter Kay is Elvis - and everybody loves him.
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