Who made the heats for the new biggest prize in UK comedy?
In 2018, the biggest prize in UK live comedy comes from an unexpected source. It's not one of the long-running Edinburgh competitions, a TV show, or a big agency; it's linked to a small West Sussex town's festival.
An anonymous benefactor to this summer's Petfringe in Petworth has put up £10,001 - £1 more than the Edinburgh Comedy Award - to help raise the profile of the festival and attract top stand-up talent to the area.
Over 700 comedians sent in entry videos to The Petfringe Comedian Of The Year 2018, with judges selecting 57 to go through to the six heats. These are due to take place soon, with the final then taking place in the South Downs National Park town on the 8th July.
The heats are due to begin soon, with the comedians each having 10 minutes on stage to impress. Each show will be judged by pro comic Mike Gunn, the local promoter for that gig, and a lay judge. The triumphant comedians will then go through to the final in Petworth on Sunday 8th July 2018, with the prize of £10,001 paid to the winner on the night.
Andy Stedman, who is organising the heats, says: "We're absolutely delighted with the amount and quality of acts who entered, it's like the FA Cup of Comedy! The prize is the biggest in UK comedy which is exciting in itself, and the main aim was to champion circuit comedians who do a great job of making people laugh week-in, week-out."
Here are the heat line-ups in full...
Monday 16th April (London, Piccadilly Comedy Club)
Prince Abdi
Joe Bor
Sarah Callaghan
Rachel Fairburn
Radu Isac
Olga Koch
Mark Simmons
Matt Stellingwerf
Dave Thompson
Monday 30th April (London, Piccadilly Comedy Club)
Tanyalee Davis
Russell Hicks
Caroline Mabey
Erich McElroy
Lenny Sherman
Philip Simon
Addy Van Der Borgh
Danny Ward
Alistair Williams
Monday 21st May (Bridgewater, Gordon Arms)
Karen Bayley
David Arnold
Tom Glover
Luke Honnoraty
Cerys Nelmes
Nick Page
Ben Thurston
Andrew Watts
Geoff Whiting
Sunday 10th June (Manchester, Frog and Bucket)
Matt Bragg
Keith Carter as Stacy Silcox
Danny Deegan
Harriet Dyer
Jack Gleadow
Jay Handley
Simon Lomas
Raymond Mearns
Jojo Sutherland
Saturday 30th June (Petworth, Leconfield Hall)
Matthew Bayliss
Pete Beckley
Jenny Collier
Tim Clark
Charmian Hughes
Rahul Kohli
Kate Smurthwaite
Darren Walsh
Andy White
Help us publish more great content by becoming a BCG Supporter. You'll be backing our mission to champion, celebrate and promote British comedy in all its forms: past, present and future.
We understand times are tough, but if you believe in the power of laughter we'd be honoured to have you join us. Advertising doesn't cover our costs, so every single donation matters and is put to good use. Thank you.
Love comedy? Find out more