Study Finds UK Live Comedy Now a £1bn-A-Year Industry

The live comedy industry in the UK brings in more than £1 billion annually, according to Brunel University London’s study.

This research, the first of its kind, reveals the industry’s annual worth based on input from an estimated 3,000 workers, including over 350 comedians, promoters, producers, venue managers, and agents.

“Industries like music and theatre have concrete data on their size and impact, but live comedy didn’t,” stated Dr. Sharon Lockyer, who directs the university’s Centre for Comedy Studies Research (CCSR).

Jessica Toomey, co-chair of the Live Comedy Association (LCA) and manager of Manchester’s Frog and Bucket comedy club, added, “Comedy is a credible industry. We should be proud of it and give it the recognition and support that other arts receive.”

The study, conducted by CCSR, LCA, and the British Comedy Guide, compiled data on income, duration in the industry, location of workers, venues, ticket prices, and sales. Interestingly, 71% of standup comedians now create online content to supplement their live performances, with nearly half hosting podcasts.

However, many participants reported stagnant wages: 34% indicated their pay remained unchanged over the past year, while 27% noticed a decline. “Where’s the trickle-down effect if comedy is a £1 billion-plus industry?” Toomey asked.

Approximately a third of comedians reported that 90% of their income is from comedy, whereas 26% earned little to no money from the industry. “It’s becoming harder to transition into full-time paid comedy,” noted Toomey. The data also highlights how many new comedians are entering the field.

Dr. Lockyer emphasized that comedy can be precarious work and is still recovering from the pandemic’s impact.

The study also showcased a geographic split: 48% of comedians are based in London and the south-east of England. Yet, the north-west of England has 16% of comedians, showing a substantial scene in that region.

Additionally, the study revealed that comedy tickets are generally 23% cheaper than theatre tickets. Almost half of comedy tickets cost between £13 and £18, whereas the average cheapest ticket in regional theatres is £21.27. About 80% of promoters organize shows for fewer than 250 people, with 13% primarily booking new talent, compared to 16% who focus on established acts.

The LCA plans to use this research to lobby the new government. Toomey pointed out that despite healthy audience sizes—with 45% of venues selling 71-90% of tickets—rising costs mean comedians earn a small fraction of the profits. She suggested that a VAT discount on tickets could provide immediate financial relief to help everyone in the industry.

Source: The Guardian