THE BEDFORD IN BALHAM
ANNOUNCES NEW ERA OF STAND-UP COMEDY
Following the news that Banana Cabaret, Britain’s longest-standing comedy club, is coming to an end, The Bedford in Balham is delighted to announce its stand-up successor.
From 4th September 2026, the award-winning Always Be Comedy will carry the comedy torch, providing shows every Friday and Saturday night in the pub’s iconic Club Room, which has played host to top talent including Eddie Izzard, Sean Lock, Jack Whitehall, Sara Pascoe and Joanne McNally.
Banana Cabaret’s closure comes as a result of the retirement of its long-time promoter, Dave Vickers, whose departure marks the end of an era.
Tom Peake, co-owner of Three Cheers Pub Co, responsible for The Bedford, said: “Comedy has always been at the beating heart of The Bedford thanks to Banana Cabaret. We are so grateful to Dave and the team for all the joy they have brought to the pub.
“Always Be Comedy have, however, been a part of Three Cheers Pub Co family for fifteen years, with residencies at our other pubs, The Tommyfield in Kennington and newly opened Trafalgar in Chelsea. We know our cherished Club Room is in very safe and talented hands, and we can’t wait to get started.”
James Gill, Always Be Comedy founder and MC, commented: “We are beyond excited to bring the ABC energy to Balham. The Bedford has an incredible soul, and we can’t wait to pack it with the best audiences and the best line-ups. Ed Gamble says he’ll look into a Balham Air BnB – and that’s the level of commitment we’re after.
“Furthermore, Banana Cabaret isn’t just a comedy night; it’s hallowed ground. What Dave built there over the years is legendary. 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”.
Always Be Comedy at The Bedford adds to the club’s already thriving London footprint, including nightly shows at The Tommyfield and Thursdays at The Trafalgar in Chelsea. The club continues to host a ‘who’s who’ of comedy, with appearances from the likes of Michael McIntyre, Kevin Bridges, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, James Acaster, Aisling Bea, Nish Kumar, Katherine Ryan, Harry Hill and many more.
The Bedford, 77 Balham Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9HD
020 3976 8007 | thebedford.com
@thebedfordpub @alwaysbecomedy @bananacabaret
For further information, please contact Kate Lester at Three Cheers Pub Co on
07976626328 or at [email protected].
Notes to editors:
- Banana Cabaret will officially close on Saturday, 30th They will continue to put on shows every Friday and Saturday night, with highlights including returns of their favourite acts. May will officially become a farewell festival, culminating in the final swansong or ‘Banana Split’ event on Saturday, 30th May. Tickets for all gigs can be found here.
- Tickets to Always Be Comedy gigs at The Tommyfield and The Trafalgar can be found here. The Bedford Friday and Saturday shows will be on sale in late spring; there’ll be several summer Always Be Comedy shows at The Bedford announced in due course, which will be announced via @alwaysbecomedy and available here.
- Three Cheers Pub Co is owned by Tom Peake, Mark Reynolds and Nick Fox. They are responsible for ten London pubs which also include The Avalon, The Abbeville and The Stonhouse in Clapham, The Bolingbroke and The Latchmere in Battersea, The Rosendale in Dulwich, The Princess Victoria in Shepherd’s Bush, as well as The Bedford, The Tommyfield and Trafalgar.
- The Bedford has always been committed to live entertainment, featuring live comedy, music and community events every day. Check out their What’s On Calendar, here.
- To interview Tom Peake (Three Cheers Pub Co.), James Gill (Always Be Comedy) or Dave Vickers (Banana Cabaret), please contact Kate Lester at Three Cheers Pub Co at [email protected].
