BBC
Hundreds of comedians are currently awaiting payment from one of the UK’s most prominent comedy festivals.
The Leicester Comedy Festival drew approximately 100,000 attendees and showcased over 500 acts this year, which included notable performers like Sir Stephen Fry, Sara Pascoe, and Rosie Holt. Many of these artists have yet to receive their due compensation.
Festival organizers expressed their commitment to settling all payments as soon as possible after the event, which took place from February 4 to 22. However, they acknowledged that the delay is a result of ongoing cashflow issues they are working to address.
Comedian Ben Alborough reported, "I’m owed just short of £2,000. It’s very frustrating. I have bills to pay like everyone else." He emphasized that payment challenges are prevalent within the industry. "With expenses like festival registration fees, travel, accommodation, and production costs, I typically invest several hundred pounds for each individual show," he noted.
Alborough credited the Leicester Comedy Festival with launching his career after he began performing there as a student. "I want the Leicester Comedy Festival to thrive because it’s a brilliant initiative. However, everyone involved needs to be compensated fairly. Artists must be paid their dues," he emphasized.
He is among hundreds of performers awaiting payments from the festival, which were initially scheduled for April 19. Instead, an email was sent notifying them of further delays in the settlement payment.
Canadian stand-up comedian Zoe Brownstone mentioned that she is owed £180. "I have participated in several festivals, and this was by far the most organized; ticket donations were generous, and I left feeling great. However, I’m disappointed to still be awaiting payment," she remarked.
It is not solely comedians who are facing delayed payments. Rachael Johnson, an event organizer in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, stated that she is still owed £600 after hosting two events. "We covered all the costs for our acts and team, but we have not yet received the ticket sales revenue. We are significantly out of pocket and have ongoing obligations such as staff salaries, rates, and VAT," she explained. While she empathizes with the festival organizers, she expressed frustration over the situation.
"I sympathize with anyone working in this challenging market, as the circumstances are even tougher than during COVID for many organizations. The contributions of the festival to Leicester and Leicestershire are commendable. Nevertheless, they need to rectify this issue to sustain their operations," she concluded.
Michael Harris-Wakelam, CEO of the non-profit organization Big Difference, which manages the Leicester Comedy Festival, confirmed their dedication to fulfilling payments but indicated that they are also waiting for incoming funds.
"It is strictly a cashflow issue. Our communication with artists focuses on ensuring they understand that this is a delay rather than a refusal to pay," he clarified. "We are currently pending payments owed to us from various channels, including sponsors, commissioned shows, and third-party ticket sales."
Harris-Wakelam mentioned that the organizers are exploring options for bridging loans to expedite artist payments. "We are seeking alternative financing sources to address this gap, which inevitably takes time. Our priority is the artists, even if it means delaying some of our other planned initiatives. The payment settlement process is designed to ensure fair compensation for as many individuals as possible," he stated.
Recently, leaders in the comedy sector issued warnings that inadequate funding and lack of incentives could jeopardize the emergence of new comedic talents, highlighting a deficiency in support for grassroots venues.
As of April 2026, live music venues and pubs in England qualify for a 15% reduction in business rates, but this provision does not extend to comedy clubs.
Harris-Wakelam expressed, "If comedy received more acknowledgment and support at a national level—from funders and government alike—we would be in a much better position. We advocate for additional support measures, such as relief from business rates and potential VAT reductions on ticket sales."
Jessica Toomey, chair of the Live Comedy Association, stated, "Grassroots live comedy receives considerably less support compared to other live arts. Without investment in emerging talent, as well as support for independent venues, promoters, and festivals, the UK risks losing diverse and original voices, along with its standing as a leader in live comedy."
Ian Manborde, Midlands representative for the artists' union Equity, commented, "We have received assurances from Leicester Comedy Festival that all performers will be fully compensated, and those awaiting personal payments should soon receive updates regarding their individual settlements." He expressed hope that the festival would regain its footing, given its longstanding presence in the comedy calendar for over three decades.
"Payment issues in comedy are not a new phenomenon. With closures of venues, diminishing small operators, and an increase in low or unpaid models like bringers, competitions, and open mics at the grassroots level, properly compensated gigs are becoming scarce. There is an urgent need for reliable funding for live comedy, and we are actively working towards achieving this," he added.
A spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport remarked, "Comedy plays a critical role in our cultural and creative sectors. British comedy has historically had a significant global impact, contributing notably to our economy and national well-being. We have engaged with the comedy sector recently—comprising stand-up comedians, comedy club owners, agents, producers, and broadcasters—to gather insights and perspectives. We anticipate continuing this dialogue in the future, sharing the common goal of seeing comedy thrive."
Despite the uncertainty surrounding payment, Ben Alborough reaffirmed his commitment to returning to the festival. "I have attended the Leicester comedy festival every year since graduating. I absolutely love it, and I genuinely hope to participate again next year," he expressed.
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