‘Heard the joke about a bunch of comedians in Parliament?’ Well the joke is well an truly out because on 13th March 2025 that happened. Comedy is in government but how?
The new buzz word for 2025 is ‘Serendipity’ and that was the word that bounced excitedly around this historical round table of MP’s, comedians (especially those who work in the field of humour health/wellbeing), comedy industry advocates, agents, bookers, journalists and those in the medical profession. This historic day was all designed by the powerhouse that is Lu Jackson CEO of Craic.Health and Dr Simon Opher MP and his team. I was honoured to be a part of the roundtable event and a supporter of Craic.health. It is time society engages with the power of humour used as a force for good and as part of our 'five a day'.
Lu Jackson coined the phrase ‘Comedy-on-Prescription’ with her recent online platform launch that went viral in hours as journalists avidly engaged with this new holistic tool that could help save the NHS. In the UK there is a shocking health crisis I listened carefully as the keynote speakers took the stand led by the brilliant Dr Simon Opher MP all I could think was 'How have things got this bad?'
What’s the problem?
Currently there are 8.7 million people on antidepressant drugs in the UK at a cost of around 150 billion, clearly drugs are not the answer and nor are they sustainable to many people’s struggles. The concept of social prescribing of humour is something brand new and Dr Simon already an advocate for slowing down the pill popping quick fix medical approach to wellbeing is a leading voice. He founded 'Beyond Pills APPG' a movement to help UK politicians integrate other trusted healing practices into the wellness economy politically as science and medicine lunge forward into new horizons. Our narrative has to change as our expanded consciousness allows.
Over the past 6 years Craic.health and Dr Simons team have led research and studies to show undeniably the power of humour to overcome stress, anxiety and more. As he spoke the atmosphere was electric in the grand Jubilee room in Westminster as everyone agreed that a more holistic approach is needed to before the use of drugs are offered to deal with mental health. Antidepressants are expensive and come with their own health warnings as they drain the already struggling NHS economy.
Is comedy an art form?
NO. Was the gasp in the room, comedy isn’t classified as an 'art form' therefore looses out in literally millions of pounds, research and development in the industry. And yet the comedy industry is worth nearly 1 billon pounds to the UK economy so why isn't that power reflected into the lives of most comedians and why do we not cherish this industry as a nation and support it financially? Comedy needs investment into new talent and help building a strong infrastructure so everyone can progress. The UK Live Comedy Sector Survey Report of 2024, that I went to in February at the Leicester Comedy Festival explains this fully.
Emerging Tech
Lu Jackson and her tech teams have developed emerging tech, new solutions and a whole new way to see comedy. They are challenging AI in the comedy industry and helping to push UK comedy into the 21st Century armed with Surveys, data and a deep study of the comedy industry. Below I have shared with you some of the press release.
JOYtalk
It was back in 2015 when I started my own journey learning about the power of joy, laughter and glee! I was shocked to read about the then known 50 benefits of laughter, and pondered why were are not more comics talking about this. The science from 10 years ago is still much unknown let alone the quantum dynamics and landscape that I started reading about in 2020 concerning laughter. There is so much gold and silver that society is dying to learn about but we need more conversations, investment and infrastructure to get this learning into the lives of not just the most vulnerable but into everyone’s conversation today.
Joytalk is committed to playing it’s part so why not get in touch with us to find out how you can get more wellness through JOYtalk into your organisation, community or event today.
QUOTES FROM Craic.healh
Louisa Jackson, Founder of Craic,
"Comedy is the most loved but least structurally supported sector in the UK’s creative economy. Despite being world-leading in talent, our industry lacks the investment, structure, and recognition needed to secure its future. This survey is a crucial opportunity for everyone working in comedy to provide the data necessary to drive overdue change—whether in funding, business support, research, or integrating comedy into public health strategies.
At the roundtable with MP'S we show how we can integrate Comedy-on-Prescription into NHS policy. Early results already show overwhelming industry support, with over 90% of comedy professionals and businesses saying they would consider supplementing their income through publicly funded Comedy-on-Prescription experiences, events, or workshops. Given the escalating mental health crisis, this is a unique opportunity for the comedy industry to play a recognised role in national well-being initiatives—but we need the full weight of the industry behind this movement.
Ali Anselmo, Talent Executive, said:
“The survey has the power to transform the comedy industry and spark long-lasting, meaningful change. Proud to be a part of it and attend the roundtable on 13 March.”
Carly Smallman, Founder of Bring Your Own Baby Comedy
“The survey is very important because it highlights the state of the comedy industry, which is a large industry, employing many people, both as full-time employees of some of the venues, comedy agencies, producers but also lots of self-employed entrepreneurs who are out there, creating amazing comedy. Britain has always been known as being one of the biggest leaders for comedy in the world and at present, it's so severely underfunded that a lot of people who are incredibly talented aren't having their voices heard. Comedy-on-Prescription is a brilliant, money efficient way to improve people's lives through laughter.”
Dan Dearlove, Venue Manager at Backyard Comedy Club, said:
"We’ve all completed the survey because it’s a crucial step in highlighting the lack of support for the comedy industry and securing the future of comedy clubs, talent, and the sector as a whole'
Lynne Parker, Founder & CEO Funny Women CIC
“Having fun is a basic human right and the comedy circuit is where society meets culture. The rhythm and processes used by performers, writers and creators of comedy deserve to be acknowledged and supported. Laughter is a natural release for emotional tension, it boosts our immune system and relieves stress. Those who provide comedic entertainment do a great public service! We’ve been piloting Comedy in the Community to bring comedy, business and wellbeing together in one programme - this survey gives a window on the way we can place comedy into the mainstream of our communities.”
Jojo Sutherland, Comedian, Writer and Producer, said:
“The stand-up comedy circuit can bring out both the best and the worst in all of us. Being in such a precarious and competitive industry, we all suffer from the same highs and lows that we don't, necessarily, want to admit to each other.The results from this survey really highlight that and how much shared insecurities and fears we share. I hope the comedy circuit will feel a comfort blanket around them, knowing that we're all wanting the same things, we all recognise all the things that are wrong with the industry, and we all can see ways to put it right. And together with this survey, taking it into government and presenting it, that we really can make a huge difference to not only the industry, but also to the wider community at large.”
Joy Carter, Founder of JOYtalk, Comedian, Writer and Speaker, said:
'British comedy boasts the world's finest comedians and comedy ecosystems. It’s important for the industry to complete this survey, as everyone across the sector reports it is in poor shape. It's time for a monumental change and progress to address the incongruences."
Comments