Comedians & Comedy Fans Encouraged to Lobby Politicians

Comedians, and fans of comedy, are being encouraged to contact their MPs to gain support for the grassroots live comedy sector across the UK, similar the support already offered to grassroots live music.  The Live Comedy Association (LCA) has this morning launched a letter writing campaign and is encouraging people working in live comedy, and comedy fans, to join in and email their MPs, MSPs and MSs.  

The letter asks politicians to sign an LCA letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy asking her to recognise grassroots live comedy within creative industries and cultural policy alongside grassroots live music.  A link to the letter can be found by visiting www.livecomedyassociation.co.uk

The LCA is the only membership organisation in the UK representing 1500 people who work in live comedy.  Members include comedians, comedy clubs, promoters, venues, festivals and other people who rely on live comedy to earn their living.  The live comedy sector is estimated to be worth over £1billion to the UK economy however comedians, venues, promoters, festivals and freelancers are facing rising costs and increasing financial pressures, which has led to growing concern about the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The campaign is launched after a landmark event in Westminster which took place yesterday (Tuesday 9th June) and saw representatives of the LCA meeting politicians and lobbying for support.  The LCA was represented by Directors and also members of the Advisory Panel who support the LCA with its work.

Since launching in April 2020 the LCA has worked on a variety of projects and campaigns to support those working in grassroots live comedy.  This work has included speaking at various Parliamentary committees and events, launching the Stand Up And Give Fund, producing Live Comedy Day and hosting membership events across the UK.  In March 2026 members of the LCA attended a roundtable meeting with Ian Murray MP(Minister for Creative Industries Media and Arts) to discuss the sector and support which is required.  Members have also met with Shadow Business Secretary, Andrew Griffith MP and Rt Hon Nigel Huddleston MP as well as members of the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee, chaired by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, and Women & Equalities Committee.  

Jessica Toomey, Director of Live Comedy Association, said “we absolutely applaud the UK government for its support of grassroots live music, and that sector who have worked together to create a united voice and lobbied hard over recent years.  We are now asking our colleagues, and comedy fans, to help us do the same for grassroots live comedy.  

In our minds there is no real difference between grassroots live music and grassroots live comedy.  Both play an important role in supporting cultural participation, developing creative talent and sustaining local venues and businesses across the UK. All we are asking for is a level playing field.  Without greater recognition and support, there is a risk that important parts of the sector may become increasingly financially vulnerable.”

The letter to the Culture Secretary urges them to respond to 5 actions:

•         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

The letter writing campaign is supported by the Night Time Industries Association.