Manchester comedy club threatened with legal action

A Manchester comedy club has been threatened with legal action over a possible copyright infringement.

North West comedy promoters Deadcat Comedy were contacted by a producer on Comedy Central’s The Alternative Comedy Experience about their new comedy night, MACE.

It was suggested that MACE, which stands for Manchester’s Alternative Comedy Experience, was trading off their name – something organisers say they never intended.

Promoter Red Redmond told Giggle Beats: “A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from a producer at Comedy Central asking me to give him a call. I rang him right away, little did I know I was about to be threatened with legal action.

“The producer and creator of The Alternative Comedy Experience accused us of trading off their name and fooling our audience into thinking that we were somehow affiliated with the TV show.”

“We were very confused. This is something we never intended. Our branding is in no way mis-leading. I have since spoke to a lawyer who is convinced we have broken no laws. However we do not have the money to prove that in a courtroom.

“We find the allegations all very peculiar, particularly when there is a weekend comedy club in Liverpool actually named Comedy Central. I assume Comedy Central aren’t too bothered about them. Presumably because they have the money to defend themselves in court.

“So basically, our experience of The Alternative Comedy Experience has been one of over-riding corporate interests.”

A similar night exists in Lincolnshire called LACE – which, funnily enough, stands for Lincoln’s Alternative Comedy Experience.

The next MACE show is at Kosmonaut in Manchester tomorrow night, featuring Carl Hutchinson, Liam Pickford, Red Redmond plus support. For half price tickets follow this link and use the password: supportlivecomedy.