Big names who got big break at Blue Cat

COUNTLESS musicians and comedians have taken to the stage at the Blue Cat over the past 19 years.

The bar’s no covers policy means fans have been treated to an array of original live music, from the likes of the The Smith’s Johnny Marr to actor Paddy Considine’s band Riding the Low.

Kiki Dee, Stockport band Blossoms, former Squeeze member Nick Harper, American song writer Nell Bryden and renowned rock guitarist Terry Reid have all performed there.

A number of comedians, who have gone on to become household names, started their careers performing at the bar, with many choosing to return to test out new material in its intimate setting ahead of major tours.

John Bishop, ‘Chatty Man’ Alan Carr, Sarah Millican, Jack Whitehall and Justin Moorhouse have all graced the stage.

When the bar was at risk of closing three years ago John Bishop, who once played at the bar to an audience of just 40 and now sells out arenas, paid tribute to it, saying: “The Blue Cat has been a great place to try material, because if it’s not funny the audience are that close they can’t even pretend to laugh. It was well run and will be missed massively.”

Comic Justin Moorhouse said: “There’s always a great vibe.

“It’s a real shame it’s not going to be on any more.”