Club chain to close London venue

The Highlight chain of comedy clubs is to close its venue in Clapham Junction, South London, from this weekend.

The company blames the ‘current economic climate’ for the decision – defying anecdotal evidence that comedy clubs thrive in a downturn.

The move comes just a year after the Highlight brand was launched, after new company was formed to run the former Jongluers clubs following the collapse of previous owner Regent Inns.

It is a particularly tough blow as the club is located where Jongleurs founder Maria Kempinska launched hervery first club, when she was still a drama teacher, in 1983. Kempinska has since regained control of the Jongleurs brand and has been launching comedy nights across the country.

This weekend’s closure leaves Highlight with nine clubs.

A spokesman said: ‘We are sorry to confirm that Highlight Comedy shows in Clapham are stopping from this weekend, but the Walkabout bar [beneath the club] will remain open.

‘It was a very tough decision, but unfortunately, the comedy shows at the venue have suffered in the current economic climate.

‘All other Highlight venues are running comedy shows as usual. Highlight remains the largest chain of stand-up comedy clubs in the UK and we are proud to be the UK’s biggest employer of comedians, second only to the BBC.’

Published: 7 Jan 2011