Comics will be charged to perform

Open-mic comics wanting to appear at the Laugh A Minute competition night at Islington’s Cedar Room cocktail bar will have to pay £20 for the privilege.

In contrast, the audience will not have to pay to get in.

Promoter Jack Power says he will not be profiting from the comedians’ fees, which instead will go into a prize fund to be won by the act the audience like best.

He told Chortle: ‘I have to cover the fee for equipment hire and a soundman from my own pocket..

‘The other option is that I charge on the door, and they play to an empty venue.’

However comedians tend to dislike performing to audiences who haven’t paid to get in, as it means they often have little interest in the comedy show.

Pay-to-play is largely blamed for the stagnation that hit the New York comedy scene a few years ago, as promoters booked acts who could bring the most of their friends rather than those who offered the best comedy.

Previous attempts to launch nights under similar 'pay-to-play' deals in London have all failed.

Acts in the Laugh-A-Minute competition will get to perform for 20 minutes in the Tuesday-night shows – much longer than the usual slot for a newcomer – and a final will be held at the plus Pigalle Club in Piccadilly.

Comedians with £20 to spend should email a brief biography to Power at info@thecedarroom.co.uk.

Published: 5 Mar 2007