EQUITY has stepped in to support hundreds of performers who were left unpaid for shows at Leicester Comedy Festival.

The union announced today that it had secured payment for some of the comedians after the Leicester venue The Big Difference was repossessed last week. 

In May, its non-profit parent company said that cashflow problems were to blame for performers still being owed money for their appearances at this year’s event in February.

Equity Midlands official, Ian Manborde, said: “The problems with the company running Leicester Comedy Festival is terrible news for the many performers and other workers who are yet to be paid for their work this year. 

“Thankfully, through some sensitive work, we’ve managed to secure payments for quite a few Equity members and we urge other performers to get in touch for support. We want to see performers paid for their work.”

The Big Difference Company was contacted for comment.