Paul F Taylor wins New Act of the Year 2013

Paul F Taylor (pictured) was named the Top of The Bill act at the NATYs 2013 - aka the New Acts of the Year Showcase.

Previously known as the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year, this year's event saw the prestigious live comedy showcase mark its 30th anniversary. The competition started in 1983 as part of the CAST New Variety programme at the Old White Horse in Brixton, before transferring to the Hackney Empire in 1986. In 2011 it left the environs of Hackney, and following interim shows at the Barbican in 2011 and Stratford Circus in 2012, it how now found a "proper home at the Bloomsbury, a theatre that's equally steeped in alternative comedy history."

The event has some pedigree in picking out comedy stars of the future. Previous finalists include Linda Smith, Harry Hill, Stewart Lee, Ardal O'Hanlon, Ronnie Ancona, Catherine Tate, Andi Osho, Jack Whitehall, Gina Yashere, Lee Mack, Simon Day, Simon Pegg, Omid Djalili, Andrew Maxwell, Alistair McGowan, Alan Davies, Ed Byrne and Russell Brand.

This year's final took place at the Bloomsbury Theatre on Sunday 27th January, with Arthur Smith once again acting as MC.

Paul F Taylor was named the top act of the 2013 show by gaining the majority vote from a panel consisting of industry figures. The Croydon-based stand-up has previously reached the final of the Laughing Horse New Act Of The Year Competition in 2009. Taylor is also known as one half of Helm & Taylor, his double-act partnership with Nick Helm.

To appear on Sunday's bill, Taylor and the other 15 finalists made it through the auditions stage, which featured over 175 acts with 2 to 3 years' circuit experience.

Talking about the runners up, the organisers say: "A polished stand-up routine filled with well-rounded tales placed Basildon's Sam Savage second. Whilst eccentric, cartoonesque sound sampler Darren Walsh made third place."

The industry panel consisted of Jenny Éclair (comedian), Brenda Gilhooly (comedian), Karen Koren (Gilded Balloon), Peter Cadley (Bloomsbury Theatre), Don Ward (Comedy Store), Bruce Dessau (Evening Standard), Tony Cooke (The Stage), Steve Bennett (Chortle), Sharon Lougher (Metro), Cliff Roberson (sponsor Roberson Wines) and Hazel Durrant (CREATE London).

You can find out more about Paul F Taylor via his website what-the-f.co.uk