Women outnumber men in audiences

Women are more likely to go to comedy clubs than men, a new survey has revealed.

Year-long research by The Stand in Glasgow found that 55 per cent of its audience was female, and most likely to be aged 25 to 34.

Club boss Tommy Sheppard reckons the statistics could mean more women stand-ups in the future.

"Since most performers start out as punters, maybe down the line we will see a lot more women giving it a go onstage," he said.

Sheppard says he makes an effort to make his clubs female-friendly, with the main weekend shows fronted by female compares (Jane Mackay and Susan Morrison) so the statistics may not be repeated across the country.

"Heckling and other forms of laddishness are actively discouraged," he told The Stage. "Unfortunately, most of the people heckling in clubs are male, and most of them seem to have a bias against female performers. But it is slowly beginning to change."

Published: 14 Jun 2001