Luminar in Jongleurs comedy link-up

Jongleurs, the comedy club brand, has received £2m in funding from Ingenious Media, the private equity group, and has announced a tie-up with Luminar.

The company has signed a partnership deal with nightclub operator Luminar, which is trying to reverse a 20% decline in like-for-like sales.

The deal with Jongleurs, which last year reverted to founders John Davy and Maria Kempinska after the collapse of Regent Inns, will see Jongleurs events at Luminar clubs in Project Norwich, Oceana Cardiff, Oceana Leeds and Liquid Newcastle.

Luminar, which is led by chief executive Simon Douglas, has previously announced a link up with Ministry of Sound and Jongleurs also has a similar partnership in place with both Novus Leisure and Momo Leisure.

It is understood that Jongleurs plans to use its £2m investment to fund further partnership and expansion.

"Jongleurs is the most recognised comedy brand in the country and is renowned for putting on quality shows," said Douglas.

"Luminar clubs are the perfect venue for comedy nights — they are all equipped with stages and have room to host an audience of between 200 to 300 people early evening before the clubs opens for normal trade."

Maria Kempinska, managing director of Jongleurs, added: "Jongleurs has developed many comedy stars — Eddie Izzard, Michael McIntyre, Al Murray, Graham Norton, Ben Elton and many more.

"We are very pleased to be working with Luminar and will give areas of England an early opportunity to see the best comedy in the UK."

Luminar is set to provide a trading update tomorrow.