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new comedian of the year

Now entering its fifth year, LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year has become one of the UK's leading spotlights for emerging LGBTQ+ stand-up comedians.

This year's competition will once again bring together some of the most exciting new voices in LGBTQ+ comedy from across the UK culminating in the finals at The Comedy Store on November 10th with a £1000 cash prize and our celebrity judging panel featuring Chloe Petts, Josh Jones, Tia Kofi & James Barr who will feedback to the acts as the night unfolds.

Watch & vote for your favourite acts and join us for an unforgettable night of LGBTQ+ Comedy ahead of the finals film, to be released on Youtube later in November to raise funds for Rainbow Migration.

tickets

tickets

10 November

London

FINALS

last year's competition

last year's competition

LGBTQ+ New comedian of the year 2025

The LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 featured some of the most exciting emerging talent on the LGBTQ+ comedy scene.

Winner Sydney May impressed the judging panel - Zoe Lyons, Jessica Fostekew, James Barr, and Tia Kofi - with razor-sharp delivery, original material, and undeniable stage charisma. 

James Barr said: “All of your jokes are perfectly constructed, so funny, brilliantly written and surprising. I honestly think you’re ready for Live at the Apollo right now!”

Jessica Fostekew said: “Timing, writing, delivery – such strong f****ing jokes! That was absolutely brilliant!” 

Tia Kofi said: “Fantastic, so funny, some good misdirection moments – and there’s something about the rhythm and the way you deliver the jokes that was really satisfying to listen to” 

Zoe Lyons said: “Just brilliant word-class jokes with so little space between all of the gags – a professional and absolutely stunning performance”

The final was hosted by the brilliant Matthew Ali, and marked the culmination of a nationwide search for the UK’s freshest queer comedy talent, following six live nationwide heats and two hotly competed semi-finals. Now in its fourth year, the competition is the UK’s only dedicated comedy award for emerging LGBTQ+ stand-up performers and has quickly become a vital launchpad for new voices on the scene.

Chris Smith, founder of Comedy Bloomers, said:
“Sydney absolutely lit up the room - her set was rich, sharp and original. This year’s finalists were all phenomenal, and the sheer range of styles and stories on stage shows just how vibrant and essential queer comedy is right now. We’re so proud to be part of building that future.”

The full film of the show is available now on OutFlix in the UK & OUTTV internationally. Watch now!

“IT’S AN AWARD THAT IS IMPORTANT FOR COMEDY BUT ALSO IMPORTANT FOR THE VISIBILITY OF THE QUEER COMMUNITY.

I CAN PROUDLY SAY I’M THE FUNNIEST GAY IN THE UK!”

2022 Winner Victoria Olsina

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