The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) has launched a call for evidence on the experiences of women in live comedy as it explores whether the sector needs greater protection and support from the Government, independent bodies, and regulators.

The call for evidence coincides with the WEC’s recent work on misogyny in the music industry (discussed here) urging further action in relation to NDAs, as well as calls from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee for more to be done to support the live comedy sector (discussed here).

The Committee seeks views on a range of matters, including whether those on the receiving end of abuse and harassment have adequate reporting and support mechanisms, the challenges associated with self-employment and freelance work, and, more generally, what steps the Government and industry bodies can take to improve the experiences of women in the live comedy sector.

Commenting on the launch of the call for evidence, the Chair of the WEC, Sarah Owen, said:

“WEC’s call for evidence aims to build on the Committee’s two oral evidence sessions and give female comedians and those involved in the sector the opportunity to share their experiences anonymously and confidentially on a range of issues.

The Committee welcomes hearing from voices across the industry on the barriers women face, the types of support which exist and what more could be done, including by the Government and industry bodies, to improve the experiences of women in the live comedy”.

The deadline for submissions is 1 June 2026. To read more, click here.