New site for Brighton venue

The company has been awarded the lease on the city's art deco Beau Nash Picture House, which it intends to convert into a cabaret venue, similar to its Sussex home.

The building, a former Odeon Cinema, opened in 1914 and closed in 2004.

Renovation work will start in the new year, with a box office and café bar opening in the spring. It is hoped the main auditorium will be ready in time for Bath’s Fringe Festival in June.

Komedia, which has been named the best stand-up venue in the south for the past five years by Chortle readers, has promised to bring comedy to its new home.

There are plans for the weekly Krater comedy club, hosted by Stephen Grant, to come to the town as well as established regular shows such as the topical Treason Show and gay-friendly Bent Double. Comedy tours and radio recordings could also be hosted in the building.

Councillor Colin Darracott, of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said” ‘It is terrific news. Komedia have an unequalled track record of providing a variety of live entertainment. The much loved cinema will be rejuvenated and this will then be the catalyst to revitalise the area, in fitting with our vision for a lively entertainment quarter.’

Komedia managing director, Colin Granger added: ‘Komedia has been looking for the ideal city to export its live entertainment concept to, for over three years: Bath is that city and The Beau Nash Picture House is the perfect venue.'

The Komedia in Brighton has just undergone a £1m refit, and the company also runs theatre venues at the Edinburgh Fringe

• A temporary 400-seater cabaret venue is to be built in London’s Brick Lane this Christmas. The festive-themed Reindeer Theatre, based in the Old Truman Brewery, will host shows by Pam Ann, Kiki and Herb and Tiger Lillies from December 1 to 23, before being dismantled.