Comedians and industry figures have raised alarm over the state of British comedy, describing the sector as being in serious difficulty following the collapse of several key institutions within a single week in August. The warning came through an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, signed by more than 90 professionals from across the comedy industry.
Among the signatories were well-known performers such as Jason Manford, Alex Horne, and Joe Lycett, whose credits include popular shows like *8 Out of 10 Cats*, *Taskmaster*, and *The Great British Sewing Bee*. The letter was organised by the campaign group Craft and highlighted the financial and operational challenges facing the comedy sector.
The crisis culminated in three major setbacks in just seven days. The Leicester Comedy Festival, an event estimated to contribute up to £10 million annually to the local economy, collapsed owing in excess of £200,000. At the same time, Underbelly Boulevard Soho, a theatre and bar venue, announced it would cease trading. Additionally, the BBC cancelled *Live at the Apollo*, one of the country’s most prominent stand-up shows.
The group cited a difficult summer that saw live comedy venues impacted by extreme heatwaves and the World Cup, resulting in lower attendance and unpaid fees for many self-employed comedians. They contended that comedy has received limited public funding over the past 25 years, estimating less than £15 million in direct investment. They also alleged that the Arts Council England, despite a budget nearing £950 million last year, did not allocate any specific funding toward live comedy.
Responding to these claims, a spokesperson for Arts Council England stated that live comedy is considered a significant part of its overall investments in theatres and arts centres. They added that comedy clubs and stand-up performers remain eligible to apply for its funding programs.
Jason Manford, speaking from his nearly three decades of experience in British comedy, called for comedy to be formally recognised in cultural policy and public funding decisions. He emphasised the sector’s contributions to creative employment and economic activity, describing comedy as both a serious creative industry and a vital element of British culture.
Craft founder Lu Jackson framed British humour as an important facet of the UK’s cultural exports and soft power, alongside music, the monarchy, and figures like Sir David Attenborough. The campaign group has held discussions with officials from 10 Downing Street, presenting proposals that include business rates relief for comedy venues, a zero rate of VAT on ticket sales, and official recognition of comedy as a distinct art form by Arts Council England.
A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport acknowledged the significance of comedy within the creative industries and affirmed the government’s support through funding for the arts, film and television, major festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe, and investment via the Arts Council. However, concerns remain about the sustainability of comedy as a career and the sector’s ongoing financial vulnerabilities.