Comics plead for lifeline as The Stand starts to lay off ‘vast majority’ of staff
Frankie Boyle, Kevin Bridges, Limmy and Fern Brady are among the comics leading calls for a Scottish Government bail-out of The Stand Comedy Club as it emerged that the “vast majority” of staff are to be made redundant unless it is thrown a lifeline.
Broadcaster Des Clarke, Gary: Tank Commander star Greg Mchugh, playwright David Greig, actor and comic Richard Gadd and Britain’s Got Talent star Lost Voice Guy were among the other highprofile figures to back its pleas for help.
The Stand, which runs hugely popular clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow, confirmed it was forced to start a formal redundancy process last week after running up losses of more than £340,000 due to the prolonged close of arts venues since the middle of March.
The Stand has also joined forces with other key industry players, including long-standing Fringe operators Gilded Balloon and the organisers of the Scottish Comedy Awards and Glasgow Comedy Festival to publish an open letter warning the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland that Scottish comedy is at “breaking point”.
The open letter, which has also been signed by Daniel Sloss, Danny Bhoy, Janey Godley, Iain Stirling, Gavin Mitchell, Mark Nelson and Susie Mccabe,saysringfencedfunding for the sector is needed to “prevent the collapse of dedicated comedy venues ensuring individual performers and can sustain themselves”.
The Stand insists it has been left with no choice after having “no solid offers of real help” from either the government or arts agency Creative Scotland. It says it needs half a million pounds to be able to survive the coronavirus crisis.
It has issued a direct plea to the government and Creative Scotland, saying: “Stop the unbearable stress that is keeping us all awake at night – it’s in your power, and your failure to act will not be forgiven or forgotten should these vital cultural hubs be lost needlessly.”
Boyle said: “I started out at The Stand, did an open spot as a student, found it terrifying. They came and found me in my halls of residence and made me give it another go. Be tragic if it goes.”
Bridges said: “No way this can be allowed to happen. My first open mic set was at The Stand in Glasgow over 16 years ago. Eva, Jane, Tommy etc helped me develop all the way through my career and it’s still the best comedy club in the UK.”
Clarke said: “Seems weird being serious about comedy – but if this place goes we’re screwed.”
Creative Scotland says it is “currently engaging in ongoing and positive discussions with the sector”.