Three-quarters of British comedy venues could close within a year without financial support, according to a survey by the Live Comedy Association (LCA). The survey of over 600 industry professionals reveals an 'industry in crisis', with 77% of venues facing permanent closure in 12 months and a third expecting to shut within six months.
The LCA, a new body representing the sector, warns that without help, venues will go bankrupt, jobs will be lost, and many comedians may quit permanently. It is calling for comedy to be included in the government's £1.57bn emergency arts fund, announced on Sunday. Unlike theatre, opera, or visual arts, comedy does not receive funding from Arts Council England or the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Comedian Fern Brady said the crisis has cost her £10,000 in lost income, with panel shows and live gigs halted since March. She described comedy as 'invisible' in the arts funding debate. The survey found that 45% of respondents have considered quitting, and 60% said they would leave the industry by February if performances do not resume. Additionally, 73.5% reported mental health impacts due to income insecurity, and over 75% said online performances earned them less than 5% of pre-pandemic income.
Owen Donovan, LCA vice-chair and managing director of Berk's Nest, said the situation for venues is 'incredibly bad' and depends on reopening with full capacity audiences. He urged the government to consider comedy venues when allocating the emergency fund. Comedian Mark Watson noted that comedy is a fast-growing, egalitarian sector that operates on small budgets, and any rescue plan for the arts must include it.
Only 17.1% of promoters expect all regular events to return after lockdown eases. Brady warned that comedy could become more elitist, dominated by those with financial backing. A DCMS spokesperson said the funding will provide targeted support across sectors, with detailed eligibility criteria to be announced.
