First female comic at his Embassy club

Bernard Manning’s comedy club is to be dragged into the last century… by allowing its first ever female comedian to take to the stage.

Melanie McDonagh will tonight perform at Manchester’s World Famous Embassy Club, which Manning headlined for 40 years, as part of a cabaret night.

The 38-year-old newcomer, who is also a casting agent and acting tutor, will be performing in character as a talent show winner. She told the Manchester Evening News: ‘Stand-up is always something that I wanted to do and I just thought that I would give it a try.

‘I never watched Bernard live but I am a fan. A lot of my act will be adult humour and there will be some swearing. I am really excited about being the first ever woman.’

Promoter Frank Byrne said: ‘I have seen women sing there before, but never a comedienne. Bernard will be looking down and laughing, I’m sure of that.’

The club is now owned by Manning’s son, Bernard Jnr. He confirmed that, McDonagh would be the first female stand-up on the bill, to the best of his knowledge.

Published: 1 May 2010