The LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year Competition is back for 2026 featuring some of the most exciting emerging talent on the LGBTQ+ comedy scene! Join us to watch & vote for your favourites and help us find who will be the new LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year!
Guided by our lovely MC Russell Arathoon - known for his sharp observational humour, cheeky crowd work and brilliantly camp storytelling and with your headliner Fab Goualin (King Gong Winner, BBC New Comedian Award Nominee 2025, Finalist LGBTQ New Comedian 2024), this will be a perfect night of queer comedy!
Alex Farrell - A pretty, slow comic from Liverpool, trying to find a job
Alexis Sakellaris - Chaotic queer musical comedian!
Celine Kuklowsky - "A favorite among comedy enthusiasts and critics alike" LA Times
Ciara Knight - Irish, queer, undiagnosed, loves wordplay and very specific impressions
Dan James - Fun, flirty, and packed with punchlines
David Ingram - "Expect energy, pace, and a dry wit that dances between the personal and the relatable" - Scene Magazine
Johnny Brace - Autistic Musical Comedian
Leo Mahr - Sexy, evil, queer and funny
Louis Beer - Silly, surreal observational comedy
Oro Rose - Cerebral, mischievous, with '...An ear for a proper gag' – Chortle
Sam Hickman - "Clearly Destined For Big Things, Hickman is equipped with a voice filled with operatic Drama" Chortle
Sweet FA - What would happen in Alan Bennett did Sister Act
Now entering its fifth year, the competition has become one of the UK's leading platforms for emerging LGBTQ+ stand-up comedians. Previous finalists and winners have gone on to secure comedy agents, perform at major comedy clubs and festivals, appear on television and radio, and build their significant online audiences. This year's competition will once again bring together some of the most exciting new voices in LGBTQ+ comedy from across the UK, with performers competing through heats and semi-finals for a place in the Grand Final at the legendary Comedy Store in London. Who will walk away with £1,000 cash prize and the title? Join us and find out for yourselves!
Please note doors open at 6.30pm
Showtime start is 7.30pm