Live Comedy Association
Letter to Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, 10th June 2026
Dear Secretary of State,
We are writing to express our support for the UK’s grassroots live comedy sector and to urge the Government to recognise the important cultural and economic contribution it makes to communities across the country.
Grassroots live comedy is a vital part of the UK’s creative industries. It supports performers, writers, promoters, festivals and venues in every region of the country, while also contributing significantly to local economies, hospitality and town and city centre nightlife.
Crucially, it provides the development pipeline for the next generation of British comedic talent.
Despite this, grassroots live comedy has historically received limited recognition within national cultural and creative industries policy. At a time when venues, promoters, festivals and freelancers are facing rising costs and increasing financial pressures, there is growing concern about the long-term sustainability of the sector.
We therefore support the work of the Live Comedy Association in calling for greater recognition and targeted support for grassroots live comedy.
We urge the Government to:
• Recognise grassroots live comedy within creative industries and cultural policy alongside grassroots live music
• Include the sector in discussions around VAT on tickets, business rates reform and support for freelancers
• Support independent research into the size, economic contribution and regional distribution of the live comedy sector
• Explore extending the live music arena levy model to include live comedy
• Consider undertaking a fan-led review of grassroots live comedy and its long-term sustainability
Grassroots live comedy plays an important role in supporting cultural participation, developing creative talent and sustaining local venues and businesses across the UK. Without greater recognition and support, there is a risk that important parts of the sector may become increasingly financially vulnerable.
We hope the Government will engage constructively with representatives from across the live comedy sector and work collaboratively to ensure its long-term future.
Yours sincerely,
Sincerely,
The Undersigned