The Live Comedy Association, the organisation set up to support the comedy industry, has sent an open letter to the Tory Government asking them to support the comedy industry during the latest Covid crisis. They are asking for immediate financial support for both individuals and organisations before Christmas to ensure that the UK’s world-leading live comedy industry is able to survive.
The full text of the letter is below.
"Dear Nadine Dorries MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer; Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Minister for Arts; and Julia Lopez MP, Minister of State for Media, Data, and Digital Infrastructure.
Immediate financial support for both individuals and organisations is required before Christmas to ensure that the UK’s world-leading live comedy industry is able to survive.
We need you to act urgently to protect the UK live comedy industry from disaster as a result of soaring infections and government guidance to reduce social contacts. Recent government messaging has seriously damaged audience confidence and, to echo our friends in the music industry, has introduced a "lockdown by stealth" where venues are allowed to operate but are facing huge losses due to audiences being advised to limit social contact.
As the virus moves at an unprecedented speed, our whole sector is facing another winter of uncertainty: ticket holders are staying home and requesting refunds, performers are testing positive and cancelling work, and promoters and venues are experiencing staffing shortages due to illness and self isolation. The Christmas period is typically the busiest season for live comedy and, like our colleagues in the wider Arts, Events, and Hospitality sectors, the comedy industry can’t afford to lose another Winter.
Combined with current government guidance, this wave of coronavirus is pushing our industry to the edge. Without immediate financial support, organisations will face permanent closure and individuals will leave our world-class industry forever. We are calling on the Government to act quickly and decisively to avert disaster and #SaveLiveComedy.
Sincerely,
Pax Lowey
Chair
Live Comedy Association"
