Breaking the Class Ceiling

Why are there so few working class comedy writers and performers?

The Writers' Guild of Great Britain are launching a campaign at Leicester Comedy Festival to bring more black, ethnic minority and working class voices into the world of comedy.

Paul Sinha, Janice Connolly (Mrs Barbara Nice) and Dane Baptiste will be joining a panel this Saturday (16th February 2019) to look at ways of encouraging different voices in comedy.

Dave Cohen, chair of the Guild's Comedy Committee, said while there have been a few small improvements in the representation of women in comedy, the situation has deteriorated for black and working class writers and performers.

"Even if you're brilliant from day one, it can take two or three years for a talented comedy performer to make a living at the profession, which automatically excludes anyone without any other means of financial support when they're starting out."

Last year a cross House of Commons committee launched an inquiry led by MP and former TV writer Tracy Brabin to discover why it has become so much harder for people from working class backgrounds to break into the entertainment industries.

Voices For Change, The Writers' Guild panel, takes place at noon on Saturday 16 February at Peter Pizzeria. Entry is free. Full details

Cohen will also be presenting a Sitcom Geeks podcast with James Cary aimed at anyone looking to build a career as a stand-up. Guests with advice about how to succeed and survive will include Dan Evans, with more to be announced. Event details

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