Jongleurs, the comedy club operator, has cancelled all upcoming events as the company behind announced it was calling in administrators.
Roving Ventures Ltd said that despite cash injections of over £200,000 from the director and shareholders since 2014, the business was still not viable.
In a letter to comedians and agents – published by comedy website Chortle - bookers Julia Chamberlain and Angie McEvoy said: “We understand that there are going to be some very upset people, many of whom have worked with us for the past 20 odd years. This is not a decision we have had any choice over and we are extremely disappointed to be bringing you this news.
“We know you will be angry, upset and you will have questions; Angie and I have asked for clarification on payments for gigs already performed to date.”
Maria Kempinska founded the first Jongleurs in Battersea, South London in 1983, and grew the estate to eight before selling it to Regent Inns for £7m.
Last year, Jongleurs lost its licensing deal to run clubs in Camden, Birmingham, Reading and Watford. They were rebranded as The Comedy Loft and run by Nottingham-based Just The Tonic.
