...but shares fall

Jongleurs expects to sell more than 550,000 tickets for comedy shows this year.

The company's chain of venues has already catered for 60,000 people at office Christmas parties, a new financial report from parent company Regent Inns has revealed.

The interim report published yesterday said: "We have continued with our objective of increasing efficiency whilst reducing associated comedy show costs.

"This has resulted in the majority of Jongleurs venues improving their operating profits and margins."

The document reveals a 13 per cent increase in pre-tax profits in the six months to January, to £7.7million.

But sales across the group have fallen 7.4 per cent ­ and the company admits it may have to introduce happy hour bargains at its bars, which include the Walkabout and Bar Risa chains.

Chairman Peter Savage said: "Our brands are in good shape and performing well."

Shares fell 4.5p to 71.5p following the publication of the report.

Published: 6 Feb 2004