...for its writer Rachael Healy

A report into London comedy venue 21Soho failing to pay its acts has earned its writer a nomination in the British Journalism Awards.

The story in The Londoner was one of three that earned Rachael Healy a nomination in the arts and entertainment section of the prestigious awards.

The others were reports into the allegations against Gregg Wallace and the collapse of publishing platform Unbound.

Her report into 21Soho was published in June – more than a year after Chortle first reported issues with the venue, and boss Nick Mills’ promised that all the comedians owed money would be paid.

But Healy’s in-depth report catalogued a long list of ongoing payment issues and  the litany of excuses Mills keeps giving comedians for they ongoing debts. 

Earlier this year 21Soho Square Ltd, the company behind the venture, went into liquidation owing almost  £330,000 to the taxman and about the same again to other creditors.

Mills continues to run the venue but under a new company,  Navy Blue Entertainment.

The winners of the British Journalism Awards will be announced at a dinner hosted by Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine in London on December 11.

Published: 23 Oct 2025