James May has abruptly cancelled the Manchester stop of his live UK tour without offering an explanation, prompting concern among fans and leaving ticket holders seeking clarity.
The October 16 performance at the Manchester Apollo for Explorers: The Age of Discovery was removed from ticketing platforms, with Ticketmaster listing the date as unavailable and ticket sellers notifying customers that the show had been cancelled. The event has also disappeared from May's official tour page. Remaining UK dates, including performances in Bath and Southampton, are still listed as going ahead.
Fans quickly shared the news on social media and message boards. On Reddit, users described receiving cancellation emails from Ticketmaster and noted the absence of any public statement from May or his team. Some suggested weak ticket sales as a possible reason for the cancellation, while others expressed hope for May's wellbeing. One Reddit user said they were disappointed by the lack of communication; several others who have seen the show overseas posted positive assessments of the performance.
Explorers: The Age of Discovery, promoted as an evening of theatrical storytelling tied to May's documentary James May's Greatest Explorers, has dates scheduled across the UK as well as in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Audience members in Australia have posted favourable comments about the two-and-a-half-hour show, praising May's delivery and the production.
Representatives for May had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication. Media outlets covering the cancellation said they had contacted May's team.
The cancellation comes as May and his former Top Gear and The Grand Tour co-hosts have featured in wider coverage about their recent business activities. Reports citing Companies House filings say the trio and their long-time producer wound up their joint company, with one media report placing the firm's accounts at about £24 million. Since The Grand Tour ended, the three presenters have pursued separate projects: Jeremy Clarkson has had success with Clarkson's Farm and a return to TV hosting duties, Richard Hammond has continued with broadcasting work, and May has developed television projects and launched a gin brand.
Ticket holders for the Manchester show should consult their point of purchase for refund details and further information. Organisers and May's representatives have yet to provide an official explanation for the cancellation, and any updates will likely be posted through the tour's official channels and ticketing platforms.