Always Be Comedy to take over Balham venue

London’s Always Be Comedy is to take over the gig run by Banana Cabaret for the past 43 years.

Chortle last month revealed that the Banana, one of the UK’s oldest comedy clubs, was leaving The Bedford after promoter Dave Vickers announced his retirement.

The last Banana Cabaret will be in May, with Always Be Comedy taking over the Friday and Saturday slots from September 4.

‘Banana Cabaret isn’t just a comedy night; it’s hallowed ground. What Dave built there over the years is legendary,’ said Always Be Comedy founder and MC James Gill, pictured. ‘To be handed the baton at such an iconic venue is a massive honour. We wish Dave a very happy—and very well-deserved—retirement.

‘The Bedford has an incredible soul, and we can’t wait to pack it with the best audiences – and the best line-ups – in the business. Ed Gamble says he'll look into a Balham Airbnb- and that's the level of commitment we're after.

‘Our immediate priority? Figuring out how to clone our tech wizard and podcast producer Tim Lewis. Although Ed says he can sleep on his floor, so that's a lovely start.’

Always Be Comedy  was established 15 years ago and runs several nights a week at The Tommyfield in Kennington and Thursdays at The Trafalgar in Chelsea.

There will also be some summer Always Be Comedy shows at The Bedford, before it takes over the weekend slots, to be announced later. 

Published: 4 Feb 2026