Thanks to everyone who entered the competition - applications are now closed.
We had an incredible amount of applications over the last month and our industry judges will now be reviewing as quickly as possible. Notifications to applicants will begin around 13th August so please keep any dates you applied for pencilled until you hear from us.
About 2026
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. Previous finalists and winners have gone on to secure comedy agents, perform at major comedy clubs and festivals, appear on television and radio, and build significant online audiences.
This year's competition will once again bring together some of the most exciting new voices in LGBTQ+ comedy from across the UK, with performers competing through heats and semi-finals for a place in the Grand Final at The Comedy Store, London.
Finalists will have the opportunity to perform on one of the world's most iconic comedy stages, compete for a £1,000 cash prize and feature in a professionally filmed final that will be released on YouTube, helping showcase their talent to a potentially global audience.
LGBTQ+ NEW COMEDIAN
OF THE YEAR 2026
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
