Manchester club to leave its area after 15 years

Manchester’s XS Malarkey comedy club is moving out of the neighbourhood where it began 15 years ago.

The much-loved club – winner of more Chortle awards than any other venue – is moving out of the studenty Fallowfield district from January 8.

Its new home will be the Jabez Clegg venue within the Manchester University campus, closer to the city centre.

It is the fourth home in just over two years for the non-profit night, which was forced out of its long-term home in Remedy (formerly Bar XS) in autumn 2010 when the pub had problems with its licence. After a stint at the nearby Queen Of Hearts pub, it settled into the 16th century Platt Chapel.

Promoter and compere Toby Hadoke previously said of that venue: ‘I can’t think of a better fit than Platt Chapel. It doesn’t need to be in the city centre and I actually think that will take away some of the charm.’

However on its website, the club hinted that it had to make ‘compromises’ with the venue – which is undergoing improvement work but remaining open.

XS booker and co-promoter Lee Martin said: 'We are very grateful to Platt Chapel for housing us for the last year and wish them every success in bringing the venue up to spec.

'We are over the moon about being adopted by Jabez Clegg. It's a bigger space which gives us more options for our shows and it's a five minute bus ride from Fallowfield so nice and convenient for Tribe Malarkey!'

And in response to a comment on Twitter from a regular unhappy at the move, the club said: ‘We decided it was a better move long term. There's heating and regular food at Jabez, but mainly, there's more room.’

Hadoke started the club in 1997 at Scruffy Murphy’s in Fallowfield, when it was known as Murphy’s Malarkey. Comics who played there early in their career have included Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Jimmy Carr and Jason Manford.

Published: 28 Dec 2012