Live Comedy Association to Host Parliament Event to Champion Sector

The Live Comedy Association (LCA) is set to host a significant event in Parliament next month, aiming to bolster support for the grassroots live comedy sector. This initiative seeks to secure political backing and recognition for the industry, building on recent efforts to highlight its cultural and economic contributions.

Key Takeaways

• The LCA is organizing a Parliament event to promote grassroots live comedy and gain political support.

• The event aims to achieve government recognition for live comedy as a distinct art form.

• Calls are being made for improved working conditions and funding access for the sector.

• The initiative follows previous engagement with the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.

Promoting Grassroots Comedy

The upcoming Parliament event, sponsored by Leicester West Labour MP Liz Kendall, is designed to foster cross-party support for the LCA's priority actions. Kendall expressed her enthusiasm, highlighting how live comedy, exemplified by the Leicester Comedy Festival, not only brings laughter but also stimulates local economies and enhances the vibrancy of towns and cities. She commended the LCA's work in amplifying the voices within grassroots live comedy.

Jessica Toomey, co-Chair of the LCA, described the event as a landmark opportunity to collaborate with members and secure political backing, moving closer to the goal of official government recognition. She emphasized the potential for grassroots live comedy to be valued alongside other art forms like live music.

Calls for Recognition and Funding

This event builds upon ongoing efforts to elevate the profile of live comedy among policymakers. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has previously urged the government to acknowledge the unique nature of the live comedy sector, arguing that its distinct characteristics have historically limited its access to funding available to other creative industries. The committee has advocated for live comedy to be recognized as a distinct art form to unlock greater funding opportunities.

Recommendations from the committee include increased engagement between the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the sector, as well as with Arts Council England, regarding how live comedy is funded. There is also a suggestion for major comedy venues, producers, and promoters to consider a voluntary scheme similar to the grassroots music levy, encouraging reinvestment in emerging talent.

Addressing Sector Challenges

Comedians have voiced concerns that the lack of recognition and funding is a serious issue for the industry. They argue that stand-up comedians are essentially small business owners and entrepreneurs whose contributions should be acknowledged and supported. The sector faces challenges in taking risks on new acts due to financial pressures, and a lack of diverse perspectives can impact comedy's relevance.

Culture Minister Ian Murray has indicated a willingness to work with the comedy sector to better understand opportunities for government intervention. The LCA's mission is to ensure that grassroots live comedy is recognized as an essential part of the UK's creative industries and to improve working conditions for those within it.

Sources

• Live Comedy Association Parliament Event To Promote Live Comedy, Beyond The Joke.

• CMS Committee presses Government on support for live comedy sector - Committees, UK Parliament.

• MPs call for live comedy to be recognised as distinct art form to open up funding access - Committees, UK Parliament.

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