Hyena comedy club to close

Newcastle’s longest-running comedy club, The Hyena, is to close later this month.

Dogged by rumours of financial troubles and a poor reputation in recent years, the Leazes Lane club underwent refurbishment in 2014, and began booking tour shows in a bid to change its image and compete with nearby club The Stand.

No reason has been given for the closure, though the building will be turned into a new leisure space, it was announced today.

Hyena promoters Dave and Della Hadingham, who were responsible for a mini-rival in fortunes for the venue, will now be staging twice-weekly comedy nights at Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park in a joint venture with Jason Manford.

Della Hadingham said: “We are really excited about teaming up with the guys at Manford’s Comedy Club.

“We are delighted that the comedy [we’ve put on at The Hyena] will continue to flourish at Manford’s.

“We are really looking forward to seeing some exciting results and continuing to put on excellent comedy.”

Manford began staging Manford’s Comedy Club nights alongside brother Colin last year, and now runs gigs in 35 venues across the country.

Newcastle’s own Manford’s Comedy Club will take place in The Terrace bar at the football ground every Friday and Saturday night, from May.

The Hyena will close its doors for the final time following their Saturday night show on 25 April.