Harriet Dyer wins Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award 2024
- The 2024 Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award final took place in Leeds, with Harriet Dyer the winner
- Talking about stand-up, she says: "It's great that I can be myself and fit in somewhere"
Harriet Dyer has won the Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award for 2024.
The Cornish comedian and mental health advocate, who talks about her bipolar disorder as part of her act, has been a full-time stand-up since 2013.
Dyer will be given "a unique opportunity to kickstart her career in TV comedy". As recipient of the award, she will receive £5,000 to support her live work as well as a script commission from Channel 4's Comedy team and paid writing experience across Channel 4's comedy entertainment and digital departments.
She says: "When I was young, I was always sad because nothing really happened to me but now, I'm older, I've got so much stuff to mention in my comedy. So, comedy has changed my life really... because I'm unemployable everywhere else! It's the only thing I haven't been banished from yet. It's great that I can be myself and fit in somewhere."
The live final took place last night (Monday 22nd October) at Project House in Leeds, with the show hosted by Joe Wilkinson.
The acts taking part were selected by comedy promoters from around the UK. Also performing in the show last night were Elaine Robertson, Jin Hao Li, Leah Davis, Marjolein Robertson, Marty Gleeson, Millie Malone, Pravanya Pillay, Ricky Balshaw and Shalaka Kurup.
Channel 4 created the prize last year in memory of 8 Out Of 10 Cats star Sean Lock, who died in August 2021 after developing cancer. The competition, which saw Eric Rushton win last year, aims to "showcase talented new writers and performers who embody the alternative comedic spirit of Sean and Channel 4".
Charlie Perkins, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, says: "Harriet's mind is amazing. What a kick to see 300 people united in laughter about a hedgehog that comes through your letterbox to let you know the internet guy is at the front door. Such a singular voice, and so reminiscent of Sean's ability to make the surreal universal. Congratulations to Harriet and well done to all of our finalists - the standard was incredible. The future is very very bright for all of them."
Damon Pettitt from Off The Kerb, who was Sean's agent, comments: "Good luck to the worthy winner. It was an incredibly high standard on the night; the future of comedy looks in great shape. Thanks again to Channel 4 for this incredibly generous bursary."
The promoters selecting the line-up were Binty Blair from Hot Water Comedy Club; David Bleese from Monkey Barrel; Dian Cathal; Jade Henry from Belfast's Empire Laughs Back; Adam Jaremko from Glee; Eva Mackay and Mike Jones from The Stand; Ryan Taylor from The Pleasance; Henry Widdicombe from Little Wander; Lateef Ogunjobi from All Jokes Aside; and Jessica Toomey from The Frog and Bucket.