The state of live comedy will be the focus of
the opening session of the Culture, Media and Sport
Committee's work aimed at spotlighting previously
unheard issues and challenges.
The session is the first in a series of hearings to be held as
part of the State of Play
inquiry, which invited everyone – from those in the UK
creative industries through to people involved in emerging media,
and sports that are often overlooked - to send in their ideas on
what MPs should be examining.
More than 250 submissions were
received by the Committee. The other topics chosen for
sessions over the coming months are business events, deaf
athletes, play facilities and touring in the EU. More
subjects will be chosen later in the Parliament.
The comedy hearing, proposed by the Live Comedy Association
(LCA), which represents those working in the industry, will
examine the economic, cultural and social impact of live
performance on the UK, and the challenges faced by the sector.
The LCA's first annual sector survey, published in February,
found that while the industry generates more than an estimated £1
billion a year, economic factors, precarious working conditions,
and inequalities are presenting challenges to its continued
success.
The session will take place after Easter with the full line-up of
witnesses to be announced.
Chair of the CMS Committee, Dame MP, 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. We'll be returning to
many of them in the coming months.
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.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
A summary of the
responses received to the State of Play inquiry has been
published.
