Radio 4 to record a raft of stand-up specials to mark the new initiative

April Fool’s Day next year is to be branded as Live Comedy Day as a way to celebrate the sector and those working within it.  

Radio 4 is backing the initiative from the Live Comedy Association by recording a series of stand-up specials in comedy clubs, to be titled Live From The UK. The series will culminate in an extended episode at 9pm on April 1.

Radio 4 comedy commissioner Julia McKenzie said ‘Comedy is integral to our cultural and national identity and brings people together to find resilience, joy and release in this highly skilled artform. 

‘Comedians are at the heart of so many hugely successful and much-loved shows on Radio 4, and other BBC content, and we recognise just how important the network of local comedy clubs and promoters are in helping to develop future stars. Radio 4 airs a vast range of stand-up shows and is delighted to partner with the LCA for this inaugural day.’

It is estimated that there are almost 700 regular comedy clubs operating across the UK – and the Live Comedy Day will promote all those happening on the day on a centralised website who have registered here. 

Jessica Toomey, director of the Live Comedy Association, said: ‘We  look forward to working with venues, clubs, agents, theatres, festivals and comedians to use the opportunity to shine a light on the incredible contribution we make to the UK.  

‘There are "national days" for many things – including Yorkshire Pudding Day, Football Shirt Day, Hummus Day, National Receptionist Day and perhaps more seriously, National Album Day and Record Store Day.  We felt there was a great opportunity to work together and have one day to celebrate UK live comedy.’

The live comedy sector contributes over £1billion to the UK economy, research from the Live Comedy Association found. 

The Live Comedy Association is the only membership organisation representing those that work in the sector.  It recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund its work.

Published: 5 Nov 2025