There are numerous competitions for new and developing acts throughout the year, some big and some small, with prizes to suit. Whether competitions are important or not is a hotly debated subject among comedians. Especially amongst the ones that don't win (the majority!). But should you feel that you would like to have a chance to win something, here are the details of the some of the major national annual competitions.
The entry restrictions vary from year to year - check the rules when you enter!
Check out our personal Competition Pro's & Con's !
The
Gilded Balloon
in association with Channel
4
Presents
So
You Think You’re Funny?
The
original stand-up comedy competition for newcomers at The Edinburgh Festival
Channel
4’s and The Gilded Balloon’s
So
You think You’re Funny? competition
is set to take to the tour trail
Since 1988, Edinburgh’s Gilded Balloon has hosted Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny? competition. This is the longest established and most prestigious of all the Edinburgh Festival stand-up comedy competitions.
Past
winners include – Dylan Moran, Peter Kay, Rhona Cameron, Tommy
Tiernan, Phil Kay and Lee Mack.
Add
to this list the past competitors who cut their comedy teeth on this contest –
Ardal O’Hanlon, Johnny Vegas, Ed Byrne and Dominic Holland and it’s clear
just how influential So You Think You’re Funny? really is.
Last years winner Miles Jupp has already become a regular on the
television in Scotland in The Live Floor Show.
Every
year during The Edinburgh Festival more than 60 comedy newcomers battle it out
over a series of seven heats to win a place in the Grand Final.
To get to this stage many, people showcase their comedic talent at clubs
in Britain and Ireland, last year the producers saw over 250 comics!
The quest begins in mid May and no stone is left unturned.
Applications
are welcome and forms can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to
the Gilded Balloon, 233 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JQ or you can apply
on line at www.gildedballoon.co.uk
for further information call 0131 226 6550.
For further info. and photos tel/fax Christian Knowles on 020 7371 6863 Mobile 07970 152865
STAND UP BRITAIN
A national comedy competition - for further details ring Carla Francombe on 020 7633 2503
Wilkinson Sword's Cutting Edge of Comedy
will reach its climax in Edinburgh, with a laughter- packed show
happening every evening for a week. Here, six of Britain's newest and best comic
talents, having braved the challenge of our heats and regional finals, will step
out in front of the world's most critical comedy audience. They'll be battling
it out for the top prize of £5000 and all the publicity and acclaim which will
accompany this exciting new award.
More Info, Venues & Application Form at www.cuttingedgecomedy.co.uk
TAKE THE MIKE
Any comedians wishing to take part should call 0207 326 7406 or e-mail
info@takethemike.com
For tickets to the shows please mail fin@brighter.co.uk
Hackney Empire
This prestigious competition may accept entries for the current year's competition to the end of January - contact Tony at the Hackney Empire on 020 8510 4505
Daily Telegraph Open Mic Awards
5 Minute heats running from September through till April, leading to regional semi-finals in May, then up to Edinburgh for the Grand Final in August. Prizes include £2,000, and spots at Montreal and Melbourne comedy festivals. Acts must never have been previously paid for a stand-up comedy gig. For more information applicants should contact Avalon via any means below.
E-Mail: openmicaward@avalonuk.com
Tel: (020) 7598 7303
Post: Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award, PO Box 13048, London, W10 6WQ
Regional heats and regional finals through the early part of the year leading to a televised final at the Edinburgh Festival in August. Prizes include £1000 cash, and a contract for BBC Choice. Application forms are sent out late in the year, but to register your interest send an SAE to the address below.
Post: BBC New Comedy Awards, Room 4017, BBC TV Centre, London, W12 7RJ