Jongleurs plans global empire

Comedy club chain Jongleurs wants to expand out of the UK.

Directors Maria Kempinska and John Davy are looking for suitable premises in South Africa and Poland.

They sold their UK clubs to Regent Inns last year, but retained the copyright of the name.

Kempinska's parents are Polish, and South Africa has an established stand-up scene, including an annual festival which attracts many British names.

The chain is expanding fast, with new venues in Glasgow and Cardiff opening tonight.

Planned ventures in Birmingham, Reading, Leeds, Bristol, Swindon and London's Leicester Square will bring the total number of UK venues to 19.

Regent Inns believe there is a big enough audience for live comedy to fuel the expansion, Kempinska told actors' newspaper The Stage.

Published: 11 Jan 2002