Male comedians possibly brought in alien gear (9)

I believe the answer is:

equipment

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'gear' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for equipment that I've seen before include "Apparatus, tools" , "Apparatus, gear" , "Kit, apparatus" , "Items needed for a particular purpose" , "outfit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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