A HOST of comedians are paying tribute to the MC of a comedy club who is departing after 23 years.

Comedian Stephen Grant has performed his final show as part of the Krater Comedy Club after Komedia Brighton severed ties with its long-standing host.

The award-winning MCs comedy promotions and booking company Annephen Ltd said they were “astonished and dismayed” the venue was terminating their contract.

In a statement released on Twitter, the 48-year-old thanked all those who had attended, worked at and performed at the comedy club over the years.

“4,000 gigs, 500 pro comics, 23 years, 13 awards and over a million audience members later, the Brighton Krater club is over,” he said.

In response, a host of comedians shared their memories of their colleague from over the years.

Comedian Matt Green said: “It’s an astonishing achievement Stephen. It was a great club and I’m sure you’ll go on to bigger and better things. I look forward to seeing you at another gig soon.”

Meanwhile, stand-up Jen Brister said: “Such a brilliant club and the end of an incredible era, but it's also the start of something new and exciting too. Onwards and upwards mate.”

Fellow comedian Alistair Barrie added: “Could the dressing room in your new club have a higher ceiling please. I mean, I know a lot of people thought Krater was great, but I gave myself more head wounds there than at any other club.”

After announcing that Annephen Ltd had lost the tender to run gigs at the venue, the company said: “We were invited to tender for our own contract but learnt we were unsuccessful.

“Though Komedia’s decision to terminate the contract was unexpected and upsetting, we respect their right to make that decision.

“The reason given was ‘in light of developments of the last couple of years, Komedia Ltd has reviewed how it will operate in-house comedy events’.

“We wish them well taking the venue where their passions lie.”

The Argus: Stephen GrantStephen Grant

Comedian Tiernan Douieb also shared his thoughts on departure of Stephen.

“Congrats for running such a goddamn excellent gig for so many years. Hope the last show last night was a proper belter,” he said.

Hal Cruttenden added: “Thank you Stephen. A very, very special gig.”

And Improv comedy troupe The Noise Next Door said: “Thanks for everything Stephen. Here’s to the next one.”

The Krater Comedy Club will continue to exist in Bath.

“The Krater name will continue to be used in Bath with the joint agreement of both parties but cease to exist in Brighton at the end of the contract,” an Annephen spokesman added.

Komedia Brighton has won the Chortle Award for Best Comedy Club in the South on 17 occasions.

In 2008 and 2011, Stephen won the Chortle Award for Best Compère.

A spokesman from Komedia Brighton said: “It’s of the upmost importance to the whole Komedia team to remain at the leading edge of the comedy world - unfortunately it was clear that our flagship show was in danger of falling below these high standards.”

The venue also offers other comedy nights, including Comic Boom, for rising comedy stars, and Bent Double, a gay-friendly night hosted by Zoe Lyons.