Leicester Comedy Festival announces 2025 shortlists
- New act contest Leicester Comedian of the Year will take place on Saturday 22nd February 2025
- The UK Pun Championships is scheduled for Monday 10th February 2025
- Silver Stand-Up, the contest for acts over the age of 55, will have its final on Thursday 13th February 2025
Leicester Comedy Festival has announced the comedians taking part in its Comedian of the Year, UK Pun Championships and Silver Stand Up contests, plus the Circuit Breakers development programme.
The comedians taking part in the various competitions are listed below.
Leicester Comedian of the Year
This contest - previously known as the Leicester Mercury competition - showcases eight comedians nominated by industry professionals. Past winners have included Josh Widdicombe, Johnny Vegas and Romesh Ranganathan. The final, hosted by Thanyia Moore, will take place at The Y Theatre on 22nd February 2025.
UK Pun Championships
This pun-based contest has been running since 2014. The eight acts will battle it out in a boxing ring at De Montfort Hall on 10th February 2025, in a show hosted again by Jason Byrne.
Silver Stand-Up
A competition for acts over the age of 55. The event takes place at LCB Depot on 13th February 2025 hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice.
Circuit Breakers
A Leicester Comedy Festival initiative highlighting and supporting emerging talent. The inducted comedians will perform showcase shows at The Guildhall on 14th and 15th February 2025 alongside MC Charlie George.
Festival director Charlotte Laidet comments: "Leicester Comedy Festival is dedicated to fostering new talent and using comedy as a means of uniting people. This year, we received a record number of applications, which underscores the ongoing demand within the comedy industry and community for opportunities and events like these. We are looking forward to the shows in February and wish all the finalists good luck!".
Leicester Comedy Festival will run from 5th to 23rd February 2025. Listings can be found via comedy-festival.co.uk
The festival explains: "Nurturing exciting new talent alongside celebrating seasoned acts is at the core of Leicester Comedy Festival, and 2025 promises to be the biggest festival yet, with 720 shows taking place at 72 venues in the city and beyond."