Equalities committee is gathering evidence

MPs are asking for evidence about the experiences of women working in comedy.

Parliament’s women and equalities committee especially wants to hear about sexual harassment, pay inequality and the difficulties of building a career as a freelancer.

Written submissions are being sought following two evidence sessions in parliament this week – and another earlier this month – hearing from female comedians, venue bookers and industry representatives.

Those hearings touched on the underrepresentation of female comics on bills, the stereotyping of women – and particularly women of colour – and the obstacles they face in getting established. The committee now wants to hear more widely, and is offering anonymity to anyone who comes forward.

Committee chair Sarah Owen, Labour MP for Luton North, said: 'Women remain significantly underrepresented across live comedy bookings, line-ups and shows, despite the wealth of talented female comedians from all backgrounds out there. 

‘The committee heard evidence on women and particularly women of colour being stereotyped and tokenised, when opportunities to succeed in comedy could be there for all.'

'Isn't it time to widen all-male bills, give today's audiences greater choice and dispel the misogynistic myth that women aren't funny?'

The committee also wants to examine what role regulators, trade unions and the government might play in improving conditions.

This week’s sessions heard how creeps and misogynists are still driving women from comedy and a call from one industry champion for government licensing of comedy promoters. The earlier session heard how women felt marginalised, undervalued and harassed on the circuit. 

The committee is inviting written submissions through the inquiry website addressing any or all of the following issues by June 1.

• What are the barriers and challenges women face in trying to establish and sustain a career in the live comedy sector?  
• What different or additional barriers do women with intersectional characteristics face, including disabled women, women from minority ethnic groups, LGBT+ women and women from a working-class background? 
• How prevalent is abuse and harassment in the comedy sector? What forms does this take? 
• What types of support exist for women experiencing sexism, misogyny, abuse or harassment in the live comedy sector? And what, if any, additional forms of support are needed? 
• How are disclosures of abuse or harassment handled within the live comedy industry? How are women who report or disclose such incidents treated? What consequences do perpetrators face? 
• What challenges do women in the comedy sector face due to being self-employed and/or freelancers? 
• ·What steps can be taken, including by the Government and industry bodies, to improve the experiences of women

Published: 1 May 2026