Legendary comedy venue that launched Peter Kay’s profession set to be demolished
EXCLUSIVE: Despite its iconic status, the final curtain is coming down on the venue, which is now owned by the controversial Manning’s son, Bernard Jr – also known as ‘Young Bernard’ to the locals
It will be demolished(Image: MEN Media)
The legendary Manchester comedy venue that helped launch Peter Kay’s career is set to be demolished, the Daily Star Sunday can reveal. The “World Famous” Embassy Club club was first opened in 1959 and was owned by the once popular and controversial comic Bernard Manning.
The Manchester club has enjoyed a rich history in the northern comedy circuit, famously serving as the launchpad for a young Peter Kay and providing the real-life inspiration behind his hit television sitcom, Phoenix Nights.
Despite its iconic status, the final curtain is coming down on the venue, which is now owned by Manning’s son, Bernard Jr – also known as “Young Bernard” to the locals.
A member of staff confirmed the sad news to us, stating: “Yes, we’re closing but we don’t have a date yet.”
Comic Marty Riley, who will perform on stage next week, said the venue was set to be knocked down.
He told us: “I could be one of the last to perform comedy there due to it being listed for demolition. No matter it’s history, some massive stars have performed there and to tread the boards that they have, it was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.
“I’m not a big name in comedy by any stretch and I’ve got many more years to get under my belt I’m sure, but on performance night, myself and the other comedians are there for one thing, to give people a cracking night of entertainment and full them up with plenty of laughter.
“We’re all comedians who have come up through grassroots comedy, slogging it out on the UK circuit, travelling thousands of miles and we’re looking forward to showing off our golden wares at this iconic venue, with our names becoming a part of its history.”
The exact reasons behind the historic club’s demise have not been revealed. But locals suggest it is due to economic factors and cost of living rises that have seen countless nightspots to close across the UK.
A comedy night is scheduled for March 6 at the venue, which could be the last chance for fans of Manning, who died in 2007 to pay tribute to him.
The club nearly closed in 2007 when it was put up for sale with Manning’s ashes thrown in as part of the deal.
At the time, Young Bernard said: “The last time my dad was in the club was the night Peter Kay performed in 1999.
“Peter was bricking it, as they say – he was so nervous. I think that’s where he got the idea for Phoenix Nights. He came back and sat with my dad and heard all of his stories. Some of them definitely ended up in the series.”
The legendary Bolton comedian had previously opened up about Manning, and how he wanted him to play an iconic character in Phoenix Nights.
Kay told the BBC in 2017: “Bernard Manning is controversial but he had incredible timing.
“I wrote the character of Brian Potter in Phoenix Nights for him to play but unfortunately he was too poorly to do it. I thought it would have been perfect casting but it didn’t happen.”
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