Komedia Bath lease ’signed and sealed’ - new venue to open November 2008

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

This morning award-winning entertainment company Komedia signed and exchanged lease papers with Bath and North East Somerset Council, granting the Brighton-based company permission to begin building works and refurbishment in the former Beau Nash cinema on Bath’s Westgate Street. Komedia Directors, along with architects Stubbs Rich and builders Sturland, expect to open the brand new venue in November 2008. Komedia Bath will present an eclectic programme of shows, from the very best comedians on the circuit to live musical acts and cabaret shows, all year round.

Komedia Bath was set to open in late 2007, but delays in planning consents and continued negotiations with the council meant the project was delayed until now. Colin Granger, co-founder of Komedia, is delighted: “We’re over the moon Komedia Bath is now but a few months away from completion. We’ve got a superb design from our Bath architects, Stubbs Rich, to convert the former ABC cinema into a live arts venue and have already started work with Sturland Builders on transforming this wonderful building into a fully working space once again.”

Komedia Bath is to be the first Komedia-branded venue launched outside of Brighton, Sussex. Presenting a large and diverse arts and entertainment programme, the south coast venue features international and national performers, and also plays host to a unique range of Komedia-grown resident shows such as the Krater Comedy Club, Kroon Kat Lounge and Bent Double. Equally adept at programming top-notch comedy, established and breaking music acts, eye-opening cabaret and brand new theatre throughout the year, Komedia’s devotion to booking the best in live entertainment is evident in recent and upcoming gigs from Duffy, Athlete, British Sea Power, Scouting For Girls, Henry Rollins, Gabriella Cilmi, The Kooks, Arctic Monkeys as well as stand-up from Bill Bailey, Flight of the Conchords, Richard Herring, Russell Howard, Omid Djalili, and Gina Yashere. It has also helped launch the careers of Graham Norton, the League of Gentlemen and The Mighty Boosh. Komedia will present a similar programme in Bath, and the Beau Nash will also feature a large all-day café where customers can find out about what shows are on, purchase tickets, and enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat.

Inspired by the European tradition of cabaret theatre where audiences can enjoy a meal while watching a show, Komedia Brighton has won many awards including Best Cultural Destination in the City and the Chortle Award for ‘Best Comedy Venue in the South’ an incredible six times. Komedia is also active on the Edinburgh Fringe, producing venues and promoting its artists and resident shows, and is a producer of broadcast entertainment.

Tags: Bath, Komedia

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