The actor Neil Morrissey has launched a campaign to try and save a London fringe theatre and comedy club from being converted into a pasta restaurant.

The former star of Men Behaving Badly who himself appeared at the East Dulwich Tavern, which also helped launch the careers of other comedians such as Eddie Izzard and Julian Clary, has started an effort to stop Upstairs at the EDT being closed.

Morrissey put up the money for a blind bid for the venue two years ago, but lost out to the current owner who feels the club is not making enough money.

Despite Morrissey's intervention, it appears unlikely that the decision will be reversed, and a special festival of entertainment is being arranged for the August Bank Holiday.