Comedy proves just the tonic for the Regent!

Just The Tonic banner outside the club during the Festival

A city centre club has received widespread acclaim for its debut role in this year’s Leicester Comedy Festival.

Over 1000 people attended shows at the Regent Sports and Social Club, at 102 Regent Road, during the Festival.

The Regent staged the performances in association with local comedy club Just The Tonic. Its programme was opened by comedian Marlon Davis on Friday 7 February and ended with a show by sketch group Mixed Doubles on Sunday 23 February.

Colin Hall, spokesperson for the club, said “ We’re thrilled and delighted by the support the community have given us”.

“We contacted the Festival organisers last summer about the possibility of hosting a few events. They referred us to Just the Tonic, who devised a programme for us.

“Hosting over 30 shows during the course of the Festival was quite a challenge for the club. But the staff and members responded magnificently.

“We provided a warm, welcoming environment which was enthusiastically received and praised by acts and audiences alike.”

Several of the performers gave lavish praise to the club on social networks, describing it as “awesome”, “a great venue” and “absolutely delightlful”.

The Festival has also swelled the Regent’s coffers by several thousand pounds, with over 1200 pints of real ale being sold during its duration. Wine and cider also proved popular with customers.

Mr Hall added, “Like many licensed premises, the Regent has had to battle with tough trading conditions in recent years.

“There have been times when our future has looked a little uncertain. But the extra income that the Festival has given us has helped to ensure we’ll be around for many years to come.”

“Our profile within the local community has received a real boost, with increased interest from local residents and businesses alike.

“Many people have told us they couldn’t believe they had such a wonderful facility on their doorstep.”

The club has received a further boost after being shortlisted for the Best Small Venue award.

The winner will be announced at the Festival awards ceremony which will be held at the Mercure Hotel, Granby Street on Monday 17 March.

Mr Hall said, “We’re deeply honoured to have been given this accolade. It’s a fitting recognition for the exceptional efforts made by club staff and members to ensure our events would be a success.

“We felt we could make a contribution to the continuing success of the Festival. This nomination shows we have done just that”.

Further information on the Regent Club is available at http://www.regentleicester.co.uk

Further details on Just The Tonic is available at http://www.justthetonic.com