Pay-to-play scheme axed

Jack Power had planned on charging stand-ups £20 a time to perform at his London venue.

He said he wasn’t trying to cash in, as the act who the audience decided was the best on the night would take home the pot.

However, after Chortle reported on the idea, comedians rallied against it – and some even mooted a formal protest.

However Power now says: ‘I have decided not to run a pay to enter competition. It is now clear that this is something which hasn't been well received by the comedy scene.’

Mr Power will now pay £100 from his own pocket to the winning act at each of his Tuesday night gigs, which will start on April 24 at the Cedar Room, Islington.

‘I still believe there should be a reward for the act who is funniest on the night,’ he said. ‘There are far too many underattended open mic nights across the capital and I hope that up-and-coming acts will understand the difficulties a promoter faces when trying to maintain interest in unknown talent, and therefore realise my motives for the competition were well intended.’

Pay-to-play is widely blamed for ruining the New York comedy scene, with acts being booked based on how many people they could pressgang into coming to a gig, rather than on how good they are.

Published: 19 Mar 2007