UK Live Comedy Sector Survey published
- The first annual UK Live Comedy Sector Survey has been published revealing the significant economic, social, and cultural impact of live comedy
- However, the report also notes the pressing challenges faced by the sector - including the need for government support
- The report 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 LCA 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 available to art forms can. 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 Centre for Comedy Studies Research (Brunel University London), 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 fund raising 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."
Comedian Matt Forde adds: "Live comedy is an integral part of our British culture, identity and economy. Despite this, it is often excluded from official conversations about the arts. Worse, it has been denied the sort of financial support that other art forms routinely receive. Comedy embodies everything that makes Britain great: our sense of humour, our entrepreneurial spirit, our freedoms, our diversity and our desire to rip the piss out of the powerful. The government needs to recognise live comedy as a valid and important part of our arts and culture. The exclusion of comedy must end."
Key findings from the UK Live Comedy Sector Survey
1. Economic significance and precarity
The UK live comedy sector is economically significant, with an estimated turnover of over £1 billion, and 64% of comedy organisations have been in operation for over a decade whilst 57% of comedians have been performing for more than 10 years. The survey highlights ongoing economic challenges, with pay stagnation a critical issue and many comedians reporting little or no increase in fees at established venues. The average annual income for comedians is £26,778, underscoring the precarious nature of the profession.
2. Regional disparities and the importance of small comedy venues
Whilst there is a London and South East dominance in live comedy, with 23% of single location comedy venues in London and 31% of comedians based in London or the South East, the survey also highlights vibrant live comedy circuits across the regions, particularly in the North West. Underlining the value of live comedy to local economies, 41% of venues attract audiences from within 10 miles of their location, with many performances taking place in smaller venues with capacities between 51 and 250 and comedians mostly performing in these venues. The findings recommend creating a comprehensive database of UK comedy venues to better understand regional trends.
3. Cultural impact and community engagement
The survey reveals that 72% of comedy organisations contribute to the UK's cultural vibrancy, with 80% of comedy organisations hosting charity events or raising funds for charitable causes. The sector's ability to bring communities together is undeniable, with a significant portion of organisations also offering volunteering opportunities. Further research into live comedy's community-based projects is needed to explore the full social impact.
4. Inequality and inequity
The survey exposes ongoing issues related to gender inequality, ageism, and barriers faced by LGBTQ+, BAME, disabled, and comedians from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Recommendations include consultations on a sector-wide code of conduct and efforts to tackle these inequalities by improving working conditions and exploring barriers to entry for underrepresented groups.
5. Audience numbers are strong
Of the venues who participated in the survey, 45% reported that they sell 71%-90% of their tickets, and a third of comedians reported that they sell 71%-90% of their tickets. 50% of venues reported that they organise at least 100 comedy events per year.
The report has also been endorsed by the Night Time Industries Association, Music Venue Trust and the Irish Comedy Guide.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association: "Comedy is a cornerstone of the UK's cultural economy, yet it remains underfunded and overlooked. The findings of this survey are an urgent call for action to ensure live comedy's continued success. We fully support the recommendations outlined in this report and call for a collaborative effort to secure the future of live comedy."
Ailish McCarthy, from the Irish Comedy Guide: "This report provides crucial insights into the comedy sector, highlighting both its impact and its challenges. This research serves as a springboard for meaningful change, and we are proud to support the Live Comedy Association in their work to promote equality and sustainability within the industry."
Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust: "Live comedy, like grassroots music, nurtures talent from the ground up and has a profound cultural impact. Yet, it is often underappreciated and vulnerable to economic pressures. It's vital that we invest in this sector to ensure a diverse, vibrant cultural landscape across the UK."
Recommendations for action
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.
The report can be read in full via comedysurvey.co.uk