Row over comedy contest name

Organisers of a new comedy competition have been slammed for stealing the name of a long-established comedy club.

Comic Toby Foster was furious when he found out Jongleurs and soft drinks firm J2O had called their talent hunt The Last Laugh - the same name as the long-established club he runs in Sheffield.

What's worse, the contest will be holding one of its heats in the city - which comedy fans might think has been endorsed by the 12-year-old club.

Foster, right, said: "Quite why they had to nick the name, and then put it on in a venue that doesn't run comedy is beyond me.

"I'm surprised. to be honest. The Last Laugh has been running for 12 years, and is the only gig in Sheffield that regularly pulls a crowd.

"I'd hate to get in the way of a good bit of marketing, but it does feel a bit off."

A spokesman for the organisers said: "We're really sorry that he's upset about the competition.

"Our event team did try to set up the Sheffield heat in The Last Laugh club in Sheffield, bur we didn't get a response.

"However the interest in Yorkshire is so good that if he would like to host a further heat we would be delighted to add another event to the schedule

The Last Laugh Comedy Search was launched in London on Monday by Jasper Carrott, Rhona Cameron and Dave Spikey.

Published: 29 Jan 2004