A six-part programme featuring Black British comedy and music, recorded live at London’s Hackney Empire theatre.
Hosted by comedians Felix Dexter (Felix Dexter) and Donna Spence (Donna Spence), each episode presented a line-up of stand-up comedians and musical artists. The series offered a platform for both established performers and rising stars from the UK’s black entertainment circuit, including sets from comedians such as Junior Simpson (Junior Simpson), Angie Le Mar (Angie Le Mar), Gina Yashere (Gina Yashere), Richard Blackwood (Richard Blackwood), and Stephen K Amos (Stephen K Amos). Musical interludes were provided by acts ranging from jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine (Courtney Pine) to soul singer Mica Paris (Mica Paris).
Filmed at the Hackney Empire, whose address gave the series its title, 291 Club was a significant, if short-lived, document of the Black British comedy circuit of the mid-1990s. At a time when television outlets for Black performers were limited, the series provided a mainstream platform on Channel 4 for a generation of stand-up talent. Many of its featured acts, such as Gina Yashere, Stephen K Amos, and Richard Blackwood, would go on to build substantial careers in the following years. By mixing established names with emerging artists, the production captured the energy and diversity of a scene that was flourishing on stage but still fighting for broadcast recognition.
Broadcast: Channel 4, 6 Episodes, Fridays, 10 November – 15 December 1995
Presenters: Felix Dexter, Donna Spence
Featured Performers included: Stephen K Amos, Richard Blackwood, Jefferson and Whitfield, Angie Le Mar, Mica Paris, Courtney Pine, Junior Simpson, Gina Yashere
