A stalwart of the improvised comedy scene at central London venue The Comedy Store has retired after 40 years of performing.
Making appearances alongside long-term comedy partner Mike Myers in Austin Powers, as well as popular TV panel shows Have I Got News For You and Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Neil Mullarkey has performed alongside The Comedy Store Players every Sunday since 1985.
Neil and his crew were partially responsible for popularising improv comedy at a time when the majority of the UK’s comedy scene was taking place in working men’s clubs.
Founded in a “topless bar” in 1979, with comedians performing in between strip-shows, The Comedy Store itself has since become an institution of British comedy as one of the country’s oldest comedy clubs.
We spoke to Neil and the rest of The Comedy Store Players, Guinness World Record holders for the longest running comedy show, about his retirement.
Featured image credit: Holly Wyche
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