So says chair of Parliament’s culture committee

The Government still has more to do to support live comedy, the chair of Parliament’s culture committee has said.

Tory MP Dame Caroline Dinenage has again urged ministers to recognise it as an art form in its own right.

It comes after a  letter  from arts minister Ian Murray published today sets out the progress that has been made on commitments made last summer,  following a  comedy roundtable he held earlier this month.

In its he said: ‘A range of ideas were discussed about how the government can further support comedy, and how the sector itself can work together more effectively. 

‘One of the key priorities from the sector was to work together to better understand the economic and social impact of comedy - to help better understand the opportunities for government intervention. I am entirely behind this request and my officials will be working with the sector on this.’

He said he wanted to make sure comedians and the comedy sector had a say in planned changes to Arts Council England to focus on individuals, not just organisations.

Mr Murray also talked about his department’s £7million support for the Edinburgh Fringe including the Keep It Fringe Fund to help out artist, although that backing has now ended, and his efforts to find a freelance champion. 

And he encouraged the comedy sector to explore the idea of a voluntary levy on ticket sales for area shows to help grassroot venues, as is happening in music. 

In response, Dame Caroline said: ‘As we get ready to celebrate Live Comedy Day [on April 1] and the fantastic contribution grassroots performances make to our wellbeing, culture and economy, the Minister’s letter shows that the Government’s policy on live comedy is still very much "work in progress".

‘The long-awaited comedy roundtable was a welcome first step in bringing industry figures together, but there remains much more to do if the government is serious about helping our grassroots comedians flourish, not least by accepting that live comedy is a distinct art form.

‘The committee will have the chance to further explore factors relating to funding and support for live comedy when it takes evidence from Arts Council England after Easter.’

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Published: 26 Mar 2026