Comedy star Jason Manford becomes co-owner of the Laugh Inn, Chester

Dec 15 2011 Chester Chronicle

jason manford

ONE of Britain’s most popular comedy stars, Jason Manford, has become a co-owner of the Laugh Inn in Chester.

Jason – who has appeared at the Station Road venue this month – teams up with fellow co-owners John Locke and David Coughlin.

The stand-up star said: “I want to put something back in to what comedy has given me, and where better than investing in a comedy club and theatre that has rapidly established itself as the best new venue in the North – after only a year.

“I’ve known John Locke for quite some time and regarded his venture at the Laugh Inn as the ideal opportunity for me to take an active part.”

The Laugh Inn opened its doors as a live venue in February this year, hosting comedy shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with some of the country’s finest comedians in addition to national touring shows.

Dave Spikey, Greg Davies, Mark Watson and Sarah Millican are among the star names to have already appeared at the Laugh Inn.

It has evolved significantly since opening, and has since developed its theatre interior with burlesque and variety shows in addition to hosting live music.

John Locke said: “Having known Jason for almost 10 years, from 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!”

Jason added: “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.”

As an introduction to Jason Manford’s appointment as director of the club, the Laugh Inn is hosting a spectacular pre-Christmas all-star charity event on December 18 featuring many of the top stand-ups in the country on stage – including Jason.

The Laugh Inn can be found at Homer House, Station Road, Chester. For details, call 0800 612 9711.