Culture committee calls for answers

Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee has called for an update on the progress the government is making on finding support for the live comedy sector.

The committee’s Tory chair, Dame Caroline Dinenage, pictured, has written to creative industries minister Ian Murray, below, to ask for an update on issues such as funding and working conditions previously raised.

Her first question asked if the roundtable he promised with representatives from the live comedy world has happened – apparently unaware it has been scheduled for March 9. 

The letter also asks:

• If any progress has been made in finding ways Arts Council England can support live comedy;

• How the £7million Government support for the Edinburgh Fringe has been spent and what it has achieved, adding: ‘If it has been successful, will the Government consider making similar grants to address barriers to participation in other comedy festivals?’

• For a progress update on the appointment of a ‘freelance champion’ which had been promised by the end of last year;

• Whether any steps to ‘address imbalances of power within cultural sectors such as comedy’ have been identified;

• Whether the government would support a voluntary levy on arena tickets, with the proceeds going to help grassroots venues.

Read the full letter here.

Dame Caroline has asked for a reply by March 23, ahead of the Live Comedy Day organised by industry body the Live Comedy Association for April 1. The association also proposed the initial evidence session of the DCMS committee, which triggered today’s letter.

Published: 26 Feb 2026