A new survey hopes to find out

The Live Comedy Association is launching what it hopes to be the first major study of the UK stand-up scene.

Its survey hopes to fill in a black hole of information about the industry, as little previous research as been conducted into the size, economic scale and cultural impact of the circuit, from open mic nights to arena tours.

Organisers hope to use the data they collect – with the aid of the Centre for Comedy Studies Research at Brunel University London – to help them lobby the next government on behalf of the sector.

The association said: ‘In 2020, during the pandemic, the Live Comedy Association conducted a survey of members about the possible impact of Covid but it didn't contain details about the broad economic, social and cultural benefits of what we do. 

‘Without this data, we don't think the sector can shout loudly enough, and perhaps more importantly, we don't think the right people will listen and value the impact live comedy has.’

It added: ‘Other sectors are miles ahead of the UK live comedy sector in terms of assessing their size and scale’ – and pointed to the UK Live Music Census of 2017 as an example of the kind or data they would like to compile. That research involved a census as well as volunteers attending gigs across the country on one given day.

 The Live Comedy Association was formed by comedy producers Brid Kirby, Owen Donovan and Charlie Perkins in 2020 to represent the industry during Covid, but has been dormant since the pandemic.

Its founders had planned to wind up the body, but it has now been transferred to  David Elphick, former managing director of Jongleurs who now runs Dave’s Comedy, offering stand-up nights to venues, and Jessica Toomey, who runs the Frog and Bucket comedy club in Manchester.

Elphick said: 'We think it’s time that the live comedy industry becomes part of the arts industry conversation. If we ever had another crisis or pandemic, we want to make sure comedy is supported through it. Right now, we need to know as much about the industry as possible to ensure long-term support for live comedy, which starts with this survey.'

Dr Sharon Lockyer, of the Centre for Comedy Studies Research added: 'Without this data, it remains incredibly difficult to lobby for support and advocate for the amazing work people do day in, day out across the live comedy sector. 

'We know the importance that is attached to live comedy and the contribution it makes... The results from this survey will significantly help live comedy to become a recognised contributor to our cultural sector alongside other art forms.;

The survey is at comedysurvey.co.uk and closes on July 7. Full results are expected to be unveiled at the Leicester Comedy Festival next year.

Published: 13 Jun 2024