Comedians tell ministers lack of funding is no laughing matter

Comedians tell ministers lack of funding is no laughing matterJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleRichard WheelerPolitical reporterGetty CreativeYoung comics can struggle to get a breakBritain is known round the world for its comedy – but industry leaders are warning the "next generation of comedy voices" will struggle to break through without more funding and incentives.While comedy is considered to be one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the country, it has not traditionally been one to receive guaranteed state support.But although there are big name comedians selling out arenas and sitcoms pulling in millions of viewers, there are grassroots venues - where young comics hone their craft - and production companies needing help to support the next wave.Leading figures from the world of comedy have met the government to make the case for comedy, including that it be recognised as an art form in its own right to improve funding access and policy development.Further talks are expected and Culture Minister Ian Murray has said he is "entirely behind" a proposal to work with comedy to "better understand the opportunities for government intervention".He also encouraged comedy to "explore" whether it can introduce a voluntary ticket levy similar to music, which sees larger venues reinvest in the grassroots.Arts Council England (ACE) has insisted it does offer support for comedy but has no plans to change how it organises its funding.For several of those at last month's meeting, there is a belief that more has to be done to support an industry that is a regular part of people's lives in all sorts of forms.Comedian Tom Walker, who portrays the fictional journalist Jonathan Pie, said the government needs to recognise comedy "as an important cultural thing from grassroots to sitcoms on the BBC".Walker suggested changing how stand-up comedians and others in the industry are viewed, explaining: "...