Industry group launches letter-writing campaign

Comedy fans are being encouraged to lobby their MPs to try to bolster the grassroots sector.

The Live Comedy Association has launched a letter-writing campaign urging the government to give comedy  the same support as it does to the emerging live music scene.

They are calling on fans, comedians and others in the industry to ask their local MPs to sign a letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, pictured, for official recognition and support for the industry.

It comes after representatives of the LCA met politicians in Westminster yesterday to lobby for its ongoing campaign for greater official backing.
Jessica Toomey, director of the 1,500-member LCA, said: ‘We absolutely applaud the UK government for its support of grassroots live music, and that sector who have worked together to create a united voice and lobbied hard over recent years.  We are now asking our colleagues, and comedy fans, to help us do the same for grassroots live comedy. 

‘In our minds there is no real difference between grassroots live music and grassroots live comedy.  Both play an important role in supporting cultural participation, developing creative talent and sustaining local venues and businesses across the UK. 

‘All we are asking for is a level playing field.  Without greater recognition and support, there is a risk that important parts of the sector may become increasingly financially vulnerable."

The letter to the Culture Secretary urges her to:

• Recognise grassroots live comedy within creative industries and cultural policy alongside grassroots live music
• Include the sector in discussions around VAT on tickets, business rates reform and support for freelancers
•  Support independent research into the size, economic contribution and regional distribution of the live comedy sector
•  Explore extending the live music arena levy model  (a voluntary scheme to put £1 on tickets for gigs at 5,000-plus capacity venues w to help struggling smaller venues) to include live comedy
•  Consider undertaking a fan-led review of grassroots live comedy and its long-term sustainability

The letter-writing campaign is supported by the Night Time Industries Association. This link on their website automatically finds your MP and drafts an email to them. 

The live comedy sector is estimated to be worth more than £1billion to the UK economy  – however comedians, venues, promoters, festivals and freelancers are facing rising costs and increasing financial pressures.

Published: 10 Jun 2026