Comedians plea for support as loophole leaves clubs at risk
GLASGOW comedians have backed an urgent plea for the government to save struggling city comedy clubs.
Funnyman Gary Faulds and social media star Bash the Entertainer joined calls for immediate action to stop the extinction of grassroots clubs throughout the city.
Dozens of popular venues face the axe after coronavirus halted all business – but dad-of-four Gary, who became homeless after the virus left him without work – said it is “vital” the public get behind a Live Comedy Association (LCA) campaign to ensure the industry’s future.
He told us: “I was pricing yachts six months ago and now I’m homeless so I understand the impact of coronavirus.
“It’s the clubs that bring people in ... they’re the backbone of the comedy industry.
“I’m massively reliant on these places opening and I worry about it because these are the places I trained. It’s where new comedians learn the trade.”
He added: “We always get looked down on and it’s sad. It can be quite snooty.”
Mike Jones, managing director of comedy hotspot The Stand, said it was “imperative” clubs like his received support.
He said: “It’s great that there’s money available but we need to make sure that organisations like The Stand get some because we need it to survive, basically.
“If you’ve got no money coming in, how can you afford to keep paying rent and, crucially, staff?
“It’s vital the comedy industry gets a share of the funding or it’s in real trouble.”
Comedy is not officially recognised as an artistic endeavour by arts bodies tasked with distributing the UK Government’s £1.57 billion emergency grant announced by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden earlier this month.
The LCA has joined forces with the Association of Scottish Comedic Arts (ASCA) in an open letter to Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government in a desperate bid to include the industry in funding plans.
A study conducted by the LCA claims more than 75% of clubs across the UK will be forced to shut their doors.
Viral sensation Bash The Entertainer, who grew up in Drumchapel, said: “A lot of people rely on comedy to get away from certain stress – that’s the reason I got into it.
“I went through a really bad time, dealing with racism, but I turned that into a positive through comedy. That’s what Scottish people do.
“It’s so important that continues.” A Creative Scotland spokeswoman said: “We note the letter from the ASCA and LCA and are continuing discussions with them as regards opportunities for support. We are working with the Scottish Government to establish the details of the recently announced funding and further information will be available shortly.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Government added: “Once we have clarity on how the grants and loans will work, the Scottish Government will establish the best means to provide additional support to those devastated by Covid-19.
“Culture is vital to individuals, communities and our country, and although this this is clearly a substantial amount of funding, significant financial support is needed to help the sector survive.”