Unique memorabilia to go on display

London is to get its first museum of comedy.

The attraction, in Bloomsbury, will feature permanent exhibition of some of comedy’s best-known props, including Tommy Cooper’s handmade magic tricks, The Two Ronnies’ glasses, Charlie Chaplin’s cane and the stuffed bear from Steptoe and Son’s Oil Drum Lane HQ.

The venue – in the crypt of a church – will also include a 100-seat performance space and cinema, The Comedians’ Arms bar, a specialist comedy book and gift shop and The Academy of Comedy, described as ‘a centre of excellence for all things humorous’.

It is the brainchild of Martin Witts, who runs the Leicester Square Theatre and who has a long history in comedy and variety production.

Press are being invited to a sneak preview on April 1, although the opening date has not yet been announced.

Published: 5 Mar 2014