UK Live Comedy Sector Survey
This survey collects data about the UK's live comedy sector to help explain and demonstrate the impact the industry has, and to identify and signal where it needs more support. The results are shared with stakeholders and policy makers to aim to further strengthen live comedy.
The 2025 survey gathered responses from industry professionals including comedians, promoters, venue managers and agents, and provides a detailed analysis of the live comedy ecosystem. Key findings indicate that people working in live comedy are earning less this year, when compared to last year. Average wages in 2025 were £21,143 compared to £26,778 and the average number of gigs has dropped from 3.2/week to 2.5/week. Comedians who need to work outside of live comedy is increasing, with 62% to 74% stating they need to generate additional income to supplement their careers. There is a slight reduction in ticket sales, with 31% of promoters selling between 71-90% of tickets, compared with 45% in 2024. Ticket prices have remained relatively stagnant, with 33% stating tickets are priced between £5 - £12, compared with 31% in 2024.
Dr Sharon Lockyer, co-author of the report, says: "The Centre for Comedy Studies Research (CCSR) is delighted to have led the UK Live Comedy Sector Survey in 2025. The findings reveal the important economic, social and cultural contributions made by UK live comedy but also highlight, again, the issues and challenges that the sector faces around precarity, wage stagnation, geographical inequities and inequities related to protected characteristics. We are looking forward to using the report to support the sustainability and development of the UK live comedy sector."
Jessica Toomey, co-Chair of the LCA, comments: "we are delighted to be able to publish this second annual report showing the size and impact of the grassroots live comedy sector. It gives us, and our partners, reliable independent data about the work which goes on across the UK every week of the year, which feeds into the arena stars, and big name comedians of the future. The report gives us more information to continue working with governments to provide evidence about the support our sector needs. We know we need more resources to address some of the challenges our sector faces and also to support others who are doing amazing work to build our community and grow our impact."
This survey is a partnership between the Live Comedy Association, the Centre for Comedy Studies Research (Brunel University London) and British Comedy Guide. The research team at Brunel University London have independently compiled and analysed the data*, with the final report published at an event on 4th February 2026.
To find out more about this study, read the participant information sheet (PDF).
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about the survey by emailing: Comedy.Studies@brunel.ac.uk
* Research ethics approval has been obtained from the College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences (CBASS) Research Ethics Committee at Brunel University London to complete this survey.