Union wins payment for some acts

Performers’ union Equity says it is helping comedians hit by the financial difficulties engulfing the Leicester Comedy Festival.

The union says it has successfully secured payment for three comedians who had been left unpaid for shows performed during the festival held in February.

And a spokesperson told Chortle: ‘We suspect that many more will have been paid as a result of the union putting pressure on the festival.’

Organisers at parent company The Big Difference said they had settled almost half the outstanding bills by the end of April, but many more are still awaiting updates.

And last week, the Leicester venue run by the company, also called  The Big Difference was repossessed over unpaid rent, as Chortle was first ro eveal, sparking more fears over money owed to comedians.

‘The problems with the company running Leicester Comedy festival make for terrible news for the many performers and other workers who are yet to be paid for their work this year,’ said Equity Midlands official Ian Manborde. 

‘The festival is a significant date in the comedy calendar and attracts big numbers of performers, but we knew there was a problem when so many were getting in touch about unpaid gigs. 

‘Thankfully, through some sensitive work, we’ve managed to secure payments for quite a few Equity members and we urge other performers to get in touch for support. We want to see performers paid for their work.’

Five months after the festival, many comedians are still seeking payment for their work. It is unclear what is happening with the company. There has not yet been any indication it is seeking  liquidation – a move which often makes it harder to seek payment for performers. 

Chortle has approached The Big Difference Company chief executive Michael Harris-Wakelam for an update on how many comedians have been paid and whether liquidation may be an option.

Equity variety official Michael Day added: ‘Sadly, this is not an unusual situation and far too often it is precarious, gigging performers and artists who bear the brunt of cancellations and collapses. 

‘Equity wants to see rules tightened to ensure that financial security and obligation to pay performers is hardwired into events like this – there would be no comedy festival without comedians so it should be inconceivable that there isn’t a protected budget to pay such a key asset.’

Last week the Live Comedy Association revealed that it had shared a  £5,000 hardship fund between 18 comedians and one promoter hit by the ongoing financial problems.

Equity is asking members who need help with issues arising from LCF to contact: imanborde@equity.org.uk 

Published: 15 Jul 2026