Comedy Festival Faces Backlash Over Unpaid Performers

One of the UK's largest comedy festivals, Leicester Comedy Festival, is embroiled in controversy after failing to pay hundreds of comedians and performers who participated in its February event. The festival, which attracted approximately 100,000 attendees and featured over 500 acts, including well-known names like Sara Pascoe and Sir Stephen Fry, has left many artists out of pocket.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of comedians and performers have not yet received payment for their participation in the Leicester Comedy Festival.

• Organisers cite cashflow problems due to outstanding payments from sponsors, commission shows, and third-party ticket sales.

• The festival is proceeding with plans for future events despite the current financial issues.

• The situation highlights broader concerns about financial stability and fair payment within the UK's live comedy sector.

Financial Woes Plague Leicester Comedy Festival

Organisers of the Leicester Comedy Festival, run by the non-profit Big Difference, have acknowledged cashflow problems as the reason for the payment delays. Performers were initially expecting to be paid by April 19th, but many received an email informing them of the delay. Benjamin Alborough, a full-time comedian, stated he is owed nearly £2,000 and highlighted that payment issues are a common concern across the industry, impacting performers who invest significantly in their shows.

Impact on Comedians and Event Organisers

Canadian stand-up comedian Zoe Brownstone expressed her disappointment, having been promised £180. Similarly, Rachael Johnson, an event organiser who hosted two shows for the festival, is still awaiting £600. She noted that while she has paid her own acts and team, she is out of pocket due to the festival's delayed payments, affecting her ability to cover essential business expenses like staff wages, rates, and VAT.

Festival Organisers' Response

Michael Harris-Wakelam, CEO of Big Difference, assured that the organisation is committed to paying all artists and is actively seeking solutions. He explained that the delay is temporary and attributed to waiting for funds from various sources. The organisation is exploring bridging loans and alternative financing options to expedite payments, prioritising artists even if it means postponing other planned activities.

Broader Industry Concerns

The situation has drawn attention to the wider challenges faced by the live comedy sector. Jessica Toomey, chair of the Live Comedy Association, pointed out that grassroots live comedy receives less support than other arts, risking the loss of diverse talent. Ian Manborde from the artists' trade union Equity confirmed a commitment from the festival to pay in full and noted the long-standing issue of payment problems in comedy, with a growing number of low-paid or unpaid opportunities.

Government Response and Future Outlook

A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport acknowledged comedy's vital role in the UK's cultural and economic landscape and stated they are engaged in ongoing conversations with the comedy sector. Despite the current financial difficulties, some performers, like Benjamin Alborough, remain supportive of the festival, expressing a desire to return in the future.

Sources

• Hundreds of comedians unpaid by one of UK's biggest comedy festivals, BBC.

• UK comedy festival featuring popular acts leaves stars out of pocket, The Independent.