Invoice templates for professional comedians covering corporate events, after-dinner shows, comedy club spots, and private party entertainment.
A comedian invoice records the fee for a stand-up performance, after-dinner show, or comedy entertainment appearance. UK comedians work across corporate functions, comedy clubs, private parties, weddings, charity events, and touring productions. Corporate and after-dinner comedy is a particularly lucrative sector, with experienced acts charging significantly more than they would for a club set. Professional comedians may book directly with clients or through agents and entertainment agencies. When booking through an agent, the invoice is typically issued to the agency rather than the end client. Direct bookings with corporate clients often require purchase orders and a more formal invoicing process than club or private event bookings. Comedians should hold public liability insurance for live performance and carry a copy of their set compliance notes (particularly for sensitive material at corporate events where content restrictions may apply).
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate after-dinner comedy set (30 min) | 1200 | event |
| Private party stand-up (30 min) | 500 | event |
| Comedy club appearance (20 min set) | 150 | set |
| After-dinner speaker with comedy (45 min) | 1800 | event |
| Host and MC with comedy (half day) | 900 | half-day |
| Bespoke corporate script tailoring fee | 400 | flat |
| Travel and accommodation (at cost) | 1 | actual cost |
Comedians working the corporate circuit should always obtain a purchase order before performing if the client is a large organisation. Invoice the events manager or PA who arranged the booking, not the CEO or company founder — billing to the wrong person delays payment significantly. For private party bookings, a simple invoice with the event date, performance description, and total fee is sufficient. Require a 30–50% deposit at booking to protect against last-minute cancellations. The balance is due 7–14 days before the event or immediately after for same-week bookings. For comedy club performances paid on a guarantee vs. percentage deal, show both the guarantee and any additional percentage payment clearly. If you receive expenses reimbursement alongside your fee, show these as separate line items at actual cost. Never bundle expenses into your performance fee — it creates confusion about what is taxable income. If you are represented by an agent, your invoice goes to the agency. The agency invoices the client at a marked-up rate. Confirm this arrangement in your agent agreement and never contact the client for payment directly.