Top London club ceases trading

One of London's best-known comedy clubs has unexpectedly closed.

The Banana Cabaret in Balham has ceased trading 'with immediate effect'.

The long-established club has played host to just about every stand-up around, including Harry Hill, Al Murray and Jo Brand. News Quiz regular Jeremy Hardy performed his first ever gig there.

The club is held in a distinctive circular theatre behind The Bedford pub, which has also been used to record TV and radio shows, including the Mark Thomas Comedy Product, Arthur Smith Sings Leonard Cohen and Stand-Up Britain.

No explanation has yet been given for the closure, and visitors to the official website are greeted with a simple message stating that the club has stopped trading

Published: 21 Nov 2002