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 Maddie HW, Award-winning stand-up comedian, host and improvisor from Sydney Australia and with your headliner Caitlin Powell (Finalist 2024, BBC New Comedy Award Nominee), this will be a perfect night of queer comedy!
Alfie Nelson - Energetic gay storytime with some aggressive observations
Andrew Conway - Cruising for Seniors
Ben Tulloh - “They’ve got something about ’em.” – Danny Dyer
Charlie Lewis - "Absolutely Brilliant" - BBC
Donna Williams - “Powerhouse confidence and a compelling no-nonsense air.” - Chortle
Ellie Ward - A portable party
Jenny Jones - 'a delightful off-kilter feel' - Beyond the Joke
Luke Abbott - So You Think You're Funny semi-finalist 2026
Oni Benjamin - Queer hilarity turning life’s mess into belly laughs
Seb Frost - stand-up comedian from Brighton
Victoria Blunt - A queer Buddhist cursed with spiritual depth and combination skin
Will Burke - One liner absurdist. Both non binary and bisexual
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 5.30pm
Showtime start is 6.30pm