LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 semi-finalists confirmed
The 24 acts to make it through to the semi-final stages of the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 competition have been announced.
The acts are listed below, alongside the short biographies they've written about themselves.
Ciara Barnes: "A worrying level of good" - Shane Daniel Byrne.
Sean Barnham: Goes with the flow because they're not a good swimmer.
Oni Benjamin: Queer and quite funny actually. "She's Queer and bloody hilarious".
Jonny Bennett: He lives in Dalston!
CJ Cabaret: Cheeky chap with the most interesting of jobs.
Sam Coade: "Very well written material, witty and unusual, great stage presence" - The Stand.
Crudi Dench: Bearded beauty with a heart of gold / hardened cholesterol.
Natalie Durkin: "If Greggs don't sponsor this woman they are missing a trick".
Esther: Gay & tired.
Caroline Gustafsson: Witty, cerebral and highly relatable yet whimsical storytelling.
Anna Hale: Singer, songwriter, comedian, control freak.
Zoe Harding: Transgender comedian who mainly talks about crabs and/or Godzilla.
Jack Henry: A triple threat - gay, anxious and exhausted.
David Ingram: High-energy, punchy and fast-paced.
Lucy Jenner: Female queer dyslexic comedian who subverts and misleads. Satire, witty, stupid.
Sydney May: Blind queer woman shares unique stories and observations.
Dominic McGovern: Gregarious and flirtatious comedian from London via Australia.
Su Mi: "She's hugely entertaining force of nature who'd breathe life into any gig" - Chortle.
Kat Powell: I will spill pearls on the stage to win this.
Connor Read: Endearing, Northern, Impish & Queer!
Chloe Reynolds: Universally niche, self depreciating wry storytelling.
Josh Sedman: "Josh is quick witted, cheeky, charming and comedically brilliant".
Katie Sheinman: Queer mum, fake northerner and competitive breastfeeder.
Rhys Thorne: A comic with a walk as limp as his wrist.
Now in its fourth year, the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year competition, presented by Comedy Bloomers, has become a well-known platform for showcasing the UK's brightest queer comedic talents.
The semi-finals take place on Wednesday 21st May at Seven Dials Club in Covent Garden and Thursday 22nd May at Two Brewers in Clapham.
The acts who make it through this round will then head to the final, which will take place at The Clapham Grand on Tuesday 10th June.
The final will be hosted by Matthew Ali and headlined by 2024 winner Marty Gleeson. Drag Race star Tia Kofi, Zoe Lyons, Jessica Fostekew and James Barr are confirmed for the judging panel.
Tickets are available via outsavvy.com