Select committee session to be dedicated to 'keeping the laughter coming'

MPs are to hear from senior comedy figures about their fears for the industry – and what politicians might be able to do to help it.

The cross-party Culture, Media and Sport select committee will devote a season to the sector after this month, following  lobbying from the Live Comedy Association.

Representatives will present the results of their survey which found the industry was worth £1billion a year and detailed its cultural and social impact – as well as detailing what barriers the sector and people working in it face.

The session will be the first in a ‘state of play’  inquiry looking at all the creative industries.

A spokesperson for the association said: ‘We are all delighted with this news.  It has taken a lot of work from the LCA to get us to this point.  The fact that the committee had more than 250 submissions and have decided to start with live comedy is a sign of how serious they are taking our lobbying.

‘We absolutely feel that the evidence session will result in some real action from government to support everyone working in the sector.’

Dame Caroline Dinenage, pictured, who chairs the committee. said: ‘We’re grateful to everyone for their illuminating ideas on how we as MPs can make a difference to issues across culture, media and sport that often go under the radar

‘Our first foray will be into the world of live comedy. Despite its widespread and enduring role in our cultural landscape, we should not be fooled into thinking that it’s always a barrel of laughs for our nation’s stand ups, small venues, festivals and those that make the mirth happen behind the scenes. 

‘Like so many other of our successful creative industries it can be a precarious place to be and no joke for those away from the glare of the big stage spotlight.

Our session will shine a spotlight on the particular challenges faced by live comedy and whether there is more that can be done to keep the laughter coming.’ 

No date has yet been announced for the session, but it will be after Easter and open to members of the public, and to watch online 

Published: 1 Apr 2025