New director at Chester's Laugh Inn

Jason Manford has taken a financial stake in a new comedy club – providing a major publicity boost.

The Laugh Inn in Chester would not divulge what proportion of the business the comic now owns, but said he was a ‘major shareholder’.

He said: ‘I want to put something back in to what comedy has given me, and where better than investing in a comedy club?

‘I can recognise the potential and incredible achievements already made at the Laugh Inn, and by developing certain aspects of this venue, we can certainly progress into establishing this club as a top contender for the best live entertainment venue in the north.’

The venue was opened in February this year by John Locke, former marketing manager for Manchester's Comedy Store, and local entrepreneur David Coughlin

Locke said: ‘I’ve known Jason for almost ten years, from the Comedy Store days. By bringing him on board we can take the Laugh Inn forward as an identifiable brand.

‘He’s already widely regarded as one of the top comedians in the UK, and with his youth, energy and talent combined with my age and experience we can’t go wrong.’

The Laugh Inn’s new director is hosting a charity night at the venue on Sunday.

Published: 14 Dec 2011