Critics send Barrymore into self-imposed exile

Michael Barrymore will never again perform in Britain after pulling out of a one-man West End show that received a series of hostile press reviews, his manager said yesterday.

Barrymore withdrew from the comeback show moments before he was due to go on stage on Thursday night, citing an overwhelmingly scathing press and other pressures over the past two years.

In a round of supremely bad notices, his act at the Wyndham's theatre was panned as the "biggest bomb since Nagasaki" and an "excruciating stage death" by reviewers. "To say that sitting through Michael Barrymore's comeback show is like watching a train crash tells only half the story," The Times wrote. "Most of the time, it is much worse than that."

Mike Browne, Barrymore's manager, said: "It's got to the point where he has said, 'I have had enough'. Michael can only take so much. He is not going to do anything in the UK. End of story."

He said that Barrymore had received offers for other British projects, but had now ruled them out. The show played to sell-out audiences in Australia and New Zealand before transferring to London and Barrymore, 51, may continue to work abroad.

He had hoped to relaunch his failing career after the death of Stuart Lubbock, who was found floating in his swimming pool in 2001, tarnished his reputation and saw him dropped by the television networks. Drink, drugs and marital problems have blighted his attempts to emulate his success as television's star of light entertainment. He spent time away from Britain for therapy and to try out new material, before returning to attempt to regain a foothold.

A statement issued by Barrymore said: "Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise to everyone who has bought tickets, but the pressure of the last two years has taken its toll. I would also like to thank my fans, friends and AA [Alcoholics Anonymous], who have all helped me remain sober and given me great support and care."

Producers of the show, which opened only on Monday, have promised refunds to those who have bought tickets for the scheduled six-week run.