The success of Manchester’s Women in Comedy Festival is something to celebrate.

It has showcased the talent, creativity and diversity of women in comedy — and reminds us of a simple truth: women are funny, women are brilliant, and women deserve the stage.

So why, in 2026, are all-male comedy line-ups still being booked?

The talent is there. So what’s the excuse?

Comedy clubs, festivals and promoters have a responsibility to reflect the wealth of talent out there. Yet all-male bills continue to appear, often without anyone questioning why women are missing.

Perhaps it’s habit. Perhaps promoters keep returning to familiar names and networks. But if you only book people you already know, you will keep getting the same results.

“We couldn’t find any women” is not a convincing excuse. It begs the question: where did you look?

There are women comedians performing at every level, from newcomers taking their first steps on stage to experienced professionals delivering outstanding sets. Finding them might mean looking beyond the usual contacts, visiting different comedy nights and making a conscious effort to discover new talent.

That is not tokenism. It is good programming.

Women in comedy should not be a special event.

Manchester’s Women in Comedy Festival provides a vital platform, creates opportunities and brings fresh voices to audiences. But women’s visibility should not depend on a dedicated festival.

Women should be booked throughout the year, on mixed bills, at headline shows and at comedy festivals across the UK. They should not have to wait for a themed night or a special occasion to be given the same opportunities as men.

The aim is not to make every line-up identical. It is to ensure that talent, rather than habit or narrow networks, determines who gets booked.

A comedy scene that welcomes a broader range of voices is a richer, more exciting scene for everyone.

Support live comedy. Support women.

Audiences have a part to play, too. Buy tickets. Fill the rooms. Bring friends. Share recommendations. Go and see women comedians you have not encountered before.

Live comedy depends on people turning up, and every ticket helps support the performers, venues and promoters who make these shows possible.

If you run a venue or organise comedy nights, look at your line-ups. Ask who is missing. Expand your networks. Seek out women performers and give them opportunities to grow.

And if you see yet another all-male bill advertised, ask why.

It’s time for change — everywhere.

Manchester’s Women in Comedy Festival is a reason to celebrate, but it must also be a catalyst for change beyond Manchester. This is an industry-wide issue, and responsibility lies with promoters, venues, festivals and audiences everywhere.

Women comedians do not need special treatment. They need fair opportunities, decent stage time and the chance to reach audiences.

No more excuses. No more treating all-male line-ups as business as usual.

The talent is there. The laughter is there. The audiences are there.

Now let’s make sure the opportunities are there, too.