The state of live comedy will be the focus of the opening session of the 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.
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.