Kevin Bridges divides fans with ‘old woman’ joke hours after Queen dies

Steve Hopkins

Bridges joked that his was ‘the only ‘f****** show in Britain going ahead’

Comedian Kevin Bridges divided fans with jokes referencing the Queen and the cost of living crisis just hours after news broke that she had died.

The Scottish comic performed a show in Glasgow venue OVOHydro on Thursday, after news broke around 6.30pm that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away earlier that afternoon in Balmoral, aged 96.

While speaking about the cancellation and postponement of several events now that Britain is in mourning, Bridges joked that his gig was “the only f***ing show in Britain going ahead this evening”.

There will be many changes in the coming days – football is off, but so are planned strikes https://t.co/3qAG1BLtJ9

— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) September 9, 2022

“Good evening on this historic evening,” he greeted the crowd, according to The Independent.

“This is the 40th time that I have performed at this venue so I’m sure you’ll read about it in all the papers in the morning, on the front page of The Daily Telegraph.”

Bridges then turned to the Queen, and noted that the doors opened at 6.30pm “and she hung on – it’s what we she would have wanted, so welcome.”

He then targeted new Prime Minister Liz Truss, saying she would use the Queen’s passing to “add a zero” onto the £2,500 price cap she announced hours before her death was confirmed. Continuing to reference the energy crisis, Bridges said: “The show is going ahead – she’s not going to be the only old woman to die this winter.”

Bridge’s remarks ignited a debate on social media, with some suggesting they were in “poor taste”, while others defended him, saying he was simply a comedian making jokes about a timely event. People were urged to “stop trying to cancel comedians for doing their jobs”.

Everyone calling for Kevin Bridges to be cancelled:
Please get a grip. His jokes were in the tradition of iconoclastic, irreverent Scottish humour. Free speech isn't suspended when it's something you care about. Calling for his cancellation just validates other ridiculous demands

— Leo Kearse – on YouTube & Saturday Night Showdown (@LeoKearse) September 9, 2022

I was at the Kevin Bridges show last night and he didn’t disrespect the Queen he criticised the government. I find it ironic that the people that demand free speech are only for free speech if it’s something they agree with have to tell ye gammons that’s not free fucking speech

— Gemma Dornan (@little_gemz_86) September 9, 2022

Kevin Bridges saying that the Queen isn't the only old lady who will die this winter is:
A. Factually accurate
B. Not offensive

If you believe other old ladies won't die, you're in for a shock. If you're offended by being told that, you're not "all about free speech" after all.

— Steve Williams (@SteveWill83_) September 9, 2022

One fan wrote: “That Kevin Bridges opening set isn’t even bad. It could’ve been a whole lot worse.” Another agreed: “How anybody can be offended by this is beyond me.”

However, one critic argued: “In poor taste to make fun of someone’s passing. Especially when she’s the longest reigning monarch who gave everything to her country.”

Others called the joke “disgusting” and one fan was left wondering if they now wanted to see him perform.

Not sure what’s worse:

Kevin Bridges joking about the Queen dying

Folk laughing at it

Or fact that I’m meant to be going to see him in a week or so. Was looking forward to it, but not sure now

— Ro55co (@Rossco76) September 9, 2022