Representatives from Centre for Comedy Studies Research (Brunel University of London), Get Off Live Comedy, The Bill Murray/Angel Comedy and British Stand-Up Comedy Archive (University of Kent) have been confirmed to take part in the second UK Live Comedy Sector AGM. The event, taking place from 2pm on Wednesday 4th February 2026 at LCB Depot (Leicester) is being produced by a partnership between the Live Comedy Association (LCA) and Centre for Comedy Studies Research (Brunel University of London). For further information, and to book a PWYW ticket, click here
The latest UK Live Comedy Sector Survey Report will be published on the same day and Dr Sharon Lockyer and Dr Simon Weaver, both from Centre for Comedy Studies Research, will present their findings based on the 2025 sector survey distributed to LCA members and members of the UK live comedy sector.
The event will also provide an opportunity for LCA members to network and learn more about the organisation set up to represent and connect those working in the UK live comedy industry. This includes comedians but also agents, managers, producers, technicians, festivals, promoters, club managers and anyone working in the sector.
Confirmed speakers are:
Dr Sharon Lockyer, Centre for Comedy Studies Research
Dr Simon Weaver, Centre for Comedy Studies Research
Barry Ferns, The Bill Murray/Angel Comedy
Nina Gilligan, Get Off Live Comedy
Dr Oliver Double, British Stand-Up Comedy Archive
Topics for the presentations will include building a comedy community, the importance of comedy archives and supporting those who work in live comedy sector.
Speaking about the event, Jessica Toomey (Chair of the LCA) said “we are absolutely delighted to be able to confirm the speakers for this event and look forward to welcoming colleagues who work in our sector. The significance of the event, and the publication of the survey report, was clear last year and resulted in us making progress in terms of our overall aim to get live comedy recognised by government. The AGM won’t just be an opportunity to sit and listen to the impressive speakers; there will be plenty of time for people to chat with each other.”
Dr Sharon Lockyer said “we are so proud to be working in partnership with the LCA to put on this event. It’s vital that we share the results of the second national live comedy survey in more detail, and present our report to people working in the sector.”
Dr Simon Weaver said “we will be sharing our report more widely with government and policy makers to help identify what support the sector needs to ensure it continues to thrive and survive these difficult times. I look forward to hearing the other presentations on the day.”
The Live Comedy AGM is the latest event to be organised by the Live Comedy Association. Later this year the membership organisation will be producing Live Comedy Day, in partnership with BBC Radio 4. The day, taking place on 1st April 2026, will be the first ever national celebration of live comedy.
Nina Gilligan picture by Steve Ullathorne
