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MPs have called on the Government to recognise live comedy as its own distinct art form to ensure the sector can access funding. The move comes after a parliamentary committee found significant restrictions preventing comedians and venues from accessing vital financial support.
The Culture Media and Sport (CMS) Committee held an evidence session on live comedy in April which revealed major barriers. Due to differences in infrastructure, workforce and audiences, the sector experienced significant restrictions when accessing funding bodies, including Arts Council England (ACE).
MPs demand recognition for comedy
In a letter to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), MPs called for the sector to be recognised as its own art form. This would enable access to more funding and investment opportunities currently available to other performing arts.
The timing is particularly significant as it comes days after the start of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The world's largest performing arts festival has largely been cited as the event that helped acts make their break in the industry.
Economic impact highlighted at Edinburgh
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, chairwoman of the CMS Committee, said: "The gathering of performers and audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe showcases the tremendous impact live comedy can have on people's lives and the wider economy." She emphasised that despite proving its cultural and economic importance across the country, reluctance to see live comedy as a distinct cultural craft has hampered funding access.
"It's time the Government took the first step to helping the live comedy sector continue to deliver the huge benefits it provides by recognising it as a specific art form and properly engaging with the sector," Dinenage added. She also stressed the need for more workforce support and ensuring participation in live comedy is open to all.
Additional recommendations for sector support
In their letter to culture minister Sir Chris Bryant, the CMS committee outlined additional recommendations to protect the workforce. These include a voluntary scheme, similar to the grassroots music levy, for the biggest comedy venues, producers and promoters to commit to.
The committee also called on the Government to work with funding bodies to establish an independent assessment. This would provide an "accurate assessment of the size and distribution of the live comedy sector" to better understand its scope and needs.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
