The Establishment

Back in 1961, Peter Cook established The Establishment: an uncensored, anarchic comedy and cabaret club on Greek St that played host to Lenny Bruce, Frankie Howerd and many more and, arguably, kicked off the satire boom. Last year, Keith Allen, Victor Lewis-Smith et al re-established The Establishment, but not very successfully. Allen, who MCed the late-night gigs, was convinced that he was single-handedly saving the 'bland' stand-up circuit, but it appeared as if he hadn't bothered to see what other comedy was out there. They're giving it another go now, with irregular gigs back at Ronnie's. To see the latest line-ups, click the occurrences.