Live Comedy Association
Live Comedy & Parliament
Timeline highlighting key moments when comedy has been mentioned in parliament, by members of parliament or associated activity
2020
July
Live Comedy Association (LCA) secures Cultural Renewal Funding for live comedy sector.
LCA published Covid-19 Emergency Industry Survey report.
2024
September
LCA issues paper to DCMS requesting meeting: “our ambition is to ensure live comedy is valued and recognised for the contribution it can make to a self-confident country, at ease with itself, where all people can see themselves in the story & they are seen and valued.”
November
DCMS letter to LCA Advisory Panel member outlining support for live comedy: “Comedy is a vital performing art and contributes to the mental health and wellbeing of people, not just in the UK, but around the world.”
December
LCA submission to CMS Select Committee “State of Play Enquiry” asking for evidence committee focusing on size and impact of live comedy sector.
2025
January
Simon Opher MP asks the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support the comedy industry.
February
LCA publishes UK Live Comedy Sector survey report at the inaugural Live Comedy AGM.
March
3rd March: James Frith MP asks the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department plans to provide support to the Live Comedy Association's initiative to consult with the sector on (a) introducing a code of conduct and (b) improving working conditions.
7th March: James Frith MP asks the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the UK Live Comedy Sector Survey Report 2024, published on 6 February 2025, if her Department will take steps to recognise live comedy as an art form, in the context of eligibility for funding from (a) Arts Council England, (b) the National Lottery and (c) other organisations.
14th March: Simon Opher MP asks the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will hold discussions with stakeholders from the comedy industry on Government support for that industry.
Comedy on Prescription Parliamentary Roundtable (13 March 2025).
April
CMS select committee evidence committee on Live Comedy takes place in response LCA submission to State of Play Enquiry and publication of the Live Comedy Sector Survey 2024.
June
LCA submission sent to Labour party national policy forum.
Samantha Niblett MP asks the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the UK comedy industry on (a) the economy and (b) society.
Samantha Niblett MP asks the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of comedy within social prescribing.
July
LCA question submitted to DCMS select committee about Creative Industries Action Plan.
August
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP writes to Minister asking for action to support live comedy sector, including a roundtable meeting, as an action from the April State of Play: Live Comedy evidence session.
September
Live Comedy Association writes to newly appointed Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts Ian Murray MP raising issues linked to live comedy.
October
Simon Opher MP, Samantha Niblett MP and Craic met with Minister Ian Murray, at which point received confirmation of the roundtable date.
LCA participated in the “London Comedy Industry Business & Growth” parliament meeting, organised by Craic Health and Rachel Blake MP.
LCA writes to Rachel Blake MP, Simon Opher MP, Howard Dawber and Justine Simons with 5 actions to support grassroots live comedy sector.
December
Damian Hinds MP asks the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of (a) theatres, (b) cinemas, (c) live music venues, (d) comedy venues and (e) multi purpose and other entertainment venues that from next year see their business rates (i) increase, (ii) decrease and (iii) stay the same.
LCA co-signatory of letter to Chancellor raising urgent concern over unjust business rates increases in the Night Time Economy and Hospitality Sector.
2026
January
LCA confirms live comedy venues are eligible for government business rates support package.
Executive briefing by Craic Health to Ian Murray MP, Samantha Niblett MP, Simon Opher MP and DCMS presenting their top 10 priority list.
February
Live Comedy AGM takes place and 2nd UK Live Comedy Sector survey report published.
LCA launches Live Comedy Day with Dame Caroline Dinenage MP at Night Time Industries Association summit (Liverpool).
LCA works with Night Time Industries Association to campaign for VAT Cut inline with Europe for live comedy.
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP writes to Rt. Hon Ian Murray MP.
March
Roundtable meeting with Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts Ian Murray MP.
Written and compiled by
Dr Sharon Lockyer
Centre for Comedy Studies Research
Brunel University London
sharon.lockyer@brunel.ac.uk
26th February 2026