It was announced today that the ten remaining former Jongleurs comedy clubs are to be re-launched in January as brand new entertainment venues called 'Highlight'. The sale and re-branding of these clubs follows the collapse of owners Regent Inns in October.

From January 2010, the clubs will be re-launched under the 'Highlight' brand name, with their comedy nights listed under the label 'Famous for Comedy'.

iNTERTAIN, the company now running the clubs, say the Famous for Comedy nights are aimed at lovers of great stand-up comedy and "will bring the UK's top comedians to stages nationwide". They say that the launch of Famous for Comedy will "secure thousands of gigs for the best comedy talent in the UK, while encouraging cutting edge acts and promoting creative freedom." The company is also looking to branch out and host live music and other live entertainment at the clubs in Portsmouth, Battersea, Camden, Watford, Reading, Leicester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

John Leslie, CEO of iNTERTAIN says: "We're currently working on a host of innovative entertainment ideas to make comedy nights out better than ever and give people new reasons to get off their sofas and into our venues. We have some fantastic ideas in the pipeline and are currently in discussions with the broadcaster Comedy Central to explore ways that together we can change the comedy landscape and rejuvenate comedy on the high street. This could include new comedy formats and a host of multimedia opportunities."

Famous for Comedy will officially be launching on Friday 8th January with a special benefit gig. Leslie says: "We are also thrilled to be launching Famous for Comedy with a benefit gig for the Army Benevolent Fund. It is a fantastic charity and one that deserves as much support as we can give it."

Julia Chamberlain, the Live Comedy Booker for Famous for Comedy adds: "There has never been a more exciting time for stand-up comedy in the UK. The whole Famous for Comedy team is looking forward to providing people with the funniest nights out they've had in ages."

Famous for Comedy ticket prices will start from £9, with stand-up comedy from at least four comedians at each event. More information can be found at www.famousforcomedy.co.uk