Hundreds of Comedians Left Unpaid by Major UK Comedy Festival Amid Funding Woes

Hundreds of comedians, including established names and emerging talent, are facing significant payment delays from one of the UK's largest comedy festivals. Organisers cite cashflow problems for the holdup, leaving performers out of pocket and raising concerns about the financial stability of the live comedy sector.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of comedians are awaiting payment from the Leicester Comedy Festival.

• Organisers attribute the delay to cashflow issues, with payments originally due in April.

• Performers express frustration and financial strain due to the unpaid fees.

• The situation highlights broader concerns about funding and support for the live comedy industry.

Unpaid Performers Speak Out

The Leicester Comedy Festival, which attracted approximately 100,000 spectators and over 500 acts this year, has failed to pay many of its performers. Comedians like Benjamin Alborough, who is owed nearly £2,000, have voiced their frustration, emphasizing the need to cover essential bills. "It's very frustrating. I've got bills to pay like everyone else," Alborough stated.

Canadian stand-up comic Zoe Brownstone reported being owed £180, expressing astonishment that a large festival could not meet its payment obligations. Event organiser Rachael Johnson also highlighted her own financial difficulties, being owed £600 for ticket sales from events she hosted for the festival, impacting her ability to pay her own staff and taxes.

Festival Organisers Address the Issue

Michael Harris-Wakelam, CEO of Big Difference, the non-profit organisation behind the Leicester Comedy Festival, acknowledged the payment delays, describing them as a "cashflow problem." He assured performers that the intention is to pay everyone, stating, "this is a case of a small delay rather than 'you won't be paid'." The organisation is reportedly seeking bridging loans and exploring alternative financing to settle outstanding payments, with artists being prioritised.

Broader Industry Concerns

The payment issues at the Leicester Comedy Festival underscore wider concerns about the financial health of the live comedy sector. Jessica Toomey, chair of the Live Comedy Association, noted that grassroots live comedy receives significantly less support than other live arts, risking the loss of diverse voices. The artists' trade union Equity has also highlighted long-standing payment problems within the comedy circuit, calling for reliable funding.

Industry leaders have met with the government to advocate for greater recognition and support for comedy as an art form. They argue that without increased funding and incentives, the next generation of comedic talent will struggle to emerge. While the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has engaged with the sector, expressing a desire to see comedy flourish, specific measures to address funding gaps remain under discussion. Despite the current financial uncertainty, some performers, like Benjamin Alborough, remain committed to the festival's future.

Sources

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

• British comedians owed thousands by big UK comedy festival: ‘I’ve got bills to pay’, The Independent.

• Comedians tell ministers lack of funding is no laughing matter, BBC.