Innovative comedy firm in liquidation

Innovative alternative comedy producers The Invisible Dot and their London venue have collapsed.

The two companies have started voluntary liquidation proceeding by calling meetings of creditors, which will take place on October 28. Papers were officially lodged on Monday.

The production company was founded in 2009, running nights in a converted stable in Camden Market, championing alternative acts such as Simon Bird, Tim Key, Tom Basden, Jonny Sweet and Claudia O'Doherty.

Founder Simon Pearce – the only director of the Invisible Dot Ltd and The Invisible Dot Venue Ltd – said he was 'working a few things out' and hoped to have an update next week.

He has said he set up the company for comedians with ambitions beyond straightforward stand-up, with projects linked by 'characteristics of adventurousness, playfulness and intelligence. We want to grow an audience that trusts us.'

And Stewart Lee once said: 'The Invisible Dot understands how comedy works, and how best to serve the best interests of both performer and punter.'

Invisible Dot produced Edinburgh shows and tours and in 2013 opened up the first custom-built comedy venue in London for 20 years, with a 75-seat space near Kings Cross, pictured right.

The company also staged bigger shows at London's Union Chapel and in January this year they staged a massive 'birthday bash' at the Hammersmith Apollo featuring Adam Buxton, Harry Hill, Josie Long, Sara Pascoe, Simon Amstell, The Horne Section and Key. But another big event, planned for the London Palladium in May was pulled.

Its next planned gig, a Live At The Chapel event with Joe Lycett, Sara Pascoe, Cardinal Burns, John Robins, is currently still scheduled to go ahead on November 12.

Pearce once likened The Invisible Dot to Manchester's influential Factory Records, telling The Independent in 2013: 'I quite like that collision of business and creativity.'

Published: 13 Oct 2016