Select committee: Women and Equalities Committee
Experiences of women in live comedy
Open
Opened 19 Mar 2026
Women and Equalities Committee Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Inquiry scope (the committee's words)
The Women and Equalities Committee is examining the experiences of women in live comedy. This includes exploring the barriers women face in building and sustaining careers in live comedy, including the particular challenges experienced by disabled women, women from minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ women and those from working‑class backgrounds. The inquiry will also look at the challenges women face due to being self‑employed and/or freelancers within the sector. In addition, the inquiry is considering the extent and nature of abuse and harassment in the sector, the support available to those affected, and how reports are handled by the industry. The inquiry aims to identify steps Government and industry bodies can take to improve women’s experiences in live comedy.
Where it stands
The inquiry is open, opened 19 March 2026.
The committee has not published a report yet.
Evidence
- 2 oral evidence sessionsLatest 28 April 2026
- 9 witnesses
Recent activity
- Women and Equalities Committee28 April 2026, Oral evidence
- Women and Equalities Committee15 April 2026, Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions
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| Date | Session and witnesses | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Apr 2026 |
Women and Equalities Committee
Aimee Perry · Frog and Bucket Comedy Venue,
Jessica Toomey · Frog and Bucket,
Kelly Edwards-Good · Komedia Brighton,
Kirsten Muat · Equity,
Lu Jackson,
Lynne Parker · Funny Women CIC
|
View ↗ |
| 15 Apr 2026 |
Women and Equalities Committee
Nina Gilligan · Get Off Live Comedy,
Ola Labib,
Rachael Healy
|
View ↗ |
Who gave evidence
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| Witness | Organisation | Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Aimee Perry · Head Booker | Frog and Bucket Comedy Venue | 1 |
| Jessica Toomey · Managing Director | Frog and Bucket | 1 |
| Kelly Edwards-Good · Senior Marketing and Press Officer | Komedia Brighton | 1 |
| Kirsten Muat · North West Organiser | Equity | 1 |
| Lu Jackson | Not recorded | 1 |
| Lynne Parker · Founder & Chief Executive | Funny Women CIC | 1 |
| Nina Gilligan · Co-founder | Get Off Live Comedy | 1 |
| Ola Labib | Not recorded | 1 |
| Rachael Healy | Not recorded | 1 |