Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, has said it is “grossly unfair” that performers have been left unpaid, as the operators of Leicester Comedy Festival file for insolvency.

In a statement (below), the union, which represents comedians, has also called for “change in relation to gig bookings to ensure a greater degree of protection for paying performers for their work”. 

Michael Day, Equity Variety Official, said: “Despite being widely anticipated, it’s a huge blow to see Leicester Comedy Festival file for insolvency. The festival has been a huge feature on the comedy calendar for many years, being the largest comedy-only performance festival and providing hundreds of gigs to both seasoned stand ups and those seeking to break into the comedy scene. It’s terrible news and leaves many performers unpaid from this year’s festival.

“At Equity, we’ve been supporting many comedians who were left unpaid and we have secured payment for several of them. However, getting money owed to comedians will become far more difficult under an insolvency.

“We will continue to support performers impacted and encourage anyone not already in touch with Equity to reach out for assistance. We would also like to see things change in relation to gig bookings to ensure a greater degree of protection for paying performers for their work – there would be no festival or gigs without these comedians and it’s grossly unfair that they are the ones left unpaid in this and so many similar situations.” 

Read more about Equity’s support for unpaid comedians who worked on this year’s Leicester Comedy Festival.