The first annual UK Live Comedy Sector Survey has been published revealing the significant economic, social, and cultural impact of live comedy. The report notes the pressing challenges faced by the sector – including the need for government support and makes a series of recommendations, including the need for inequality and inequity to be addressed.
The Live Comedy Association (LCA), in partnership with the Centre for Comedy Studies Research (CCSR) and British Comedy Guide (BCG), has released the findings of the UK Live Comedy Sector Survey – the most comprehensive survey of the live comedy industry of its kind. This groundbreaking report reveals the significant economic, social, and cultural impact of live comedy in the UK, highlighting the pressing challenges faced by the sector and reinforcing the call for live comedy to be recognised and supported by the UK Government.
The survey conducted by the CCSR, provides detailed insights about the economics of the live comedy sector including its size and its longevity, numbers of shows and ticket sales as well as turnover. It also provides insights into regional variations, venues used and performance types supported and reveals inequalities and inequities prevalent in the sector. The survey serves to support and advocate live comedy in the UK politically, economically and socially.
The survey gathered responses from 366 industry professionals including comedians, promoters, venue managers and agents, and provides a detailed analysis of the live comedy ecosystem. Key findings indicate that whilst the live comedy sector generates an estimated turnover of over £1 billion per year, significant challenge remain due to ongoing and often worsening economic conditions, access constraints for new talent, pay stagnation and precarious working conditions, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and other evolving economic factors.
Jessica Toomey of the Live Comedy Association (pictured fifth from left) said: “This report – the most comprehensive of its kind to date – shows in tangible terms the size and value live comedy offers, both creatively and economically in its estimated over £1 billion turnover per year.
“However, live comedy is not currently recognised by the UK Government as a vital part of the creative industries which means the various components of live comedy, including performers, venues and organisations can’t access support. We hope these findings and our ongoing efforts to engage with key stakeholders will ensure the vibrant live comedy sector does get the recognition and resource it thoroughly deserves”.
Dr Sharon Lockyer, director of the Centre for Comedy Studies Research at Brunel University London, (pictured third from left) comments: “We are pretty confident there has never been a survey and report like this before and the results give us an incredible insight into the contribution live comedy makes to the UK. We also know how amazingly diverse the sector is, with survey responses from a real mix of people at different stages of their careers.
“The results suggest the financial contribution live comedy makes to the economy and also the broader value of the sector. The contribution to supporting charities and fundraising is impressive, so are the informal training and development opportunities on offer. It seems there is a healthy number of people entering the sector, either as comedians or off stage, partly due to the commitment across the board of supporting new and emerging talent.”
Attending the report launch at the Leicester Comedy Festival today, Funny Women founder, Lynne Parker (pictured far right) comments: “We badly need data like this to illustrate and endorse the impact of the comedy sector which makes a powerful contribution to the wider creative and entertainment industry.
“An excellent case was made for the broader spectrum of comedy in respect of health and wellbeing, education, diversity and inclusion and happy workplaces. We have created initiatives such as HERlarious, The Glitter Project and Comedy in the Community in direct response to what we’ve created here at Funny Women.
“This report opens up an important debate about the value of comedy and shines a light on the knowledge gap that exists between celebrity and grassroots. Without those of us supporting new talent, there would be no household names.”
Based on the survey’s findings, the following key recommendations have been made:
Recognise live comedy as an art form to secure long-term political and financial support, using ongoing findings to continue to gain recognition from Government, DCMS, Arts Councils and other relevant bodies.
Promote training and development within the industry to enhance the sustainability and quality of live comedy.
Create a UK comedy venue database to map trends and better support the sector’s regional development.
Conduct further research into the social impact of live comedy and its community engagement.
Address inequality and inequity by creating a sector-wide code of conduct and improving working conditions for underrepresented groups.
To download the full report visit comedysurvey.co.uk
