Started in 2009, the aim is to have a competition that’s equally enjoyable for contestant and audience alike. Ah ha ha ha.
It’s open to any non-professional act that’s been performing for five years or less and entries from character acts, musical acts and sketch groups are welcome. The only restriction is that all contestants must stick to five minutes of material or risk disqualification.
You are eligible to enter if:
You have five years or less experience of performing on the comedy circuit internationally
You are not a professional comic (i.e. you don’t make your living solely from live gigs or TV appearances as a paid comic). Supplementing income through paid gigs is fine.
All types of comedy acts can apply: stand-up, sketch, character, variety, musical acts etc. are all welcome.
You must have at least five minutes of original material
You cannot have been in a past final of this competition (finalists from alternative competitions are allowed). Acts who did not make the final in previous years and who are still eligible are encouraged to reapply
The winner receives £1,000, second prize is £500 and third prize is £250.
They don’t guarantee a professional career directly from participating in the competition, but the exposure given can help you acquire more gigs.
The only way to enter is by completing the application form online here.
Successful entrants will be contacted by July 1 with heat details.
