LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2026 – Heat 3 Edinburgh
The LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year Competition is back for 2026, bringing some of the most exciting emerging LGBTQ+ comedy talent to Edinburgh!
Join us at the Scottish Storytelling Centre to watch the performers, vote for your favourites and help decide who progresses towards the Grand Final at London’s legendary Comedy Store.
MC – SAM LAKE
Guiding us through the evening is the brilliant Sam Lake.
HEADLINER – EVA PERONI
Closing the show is Eva Peroni, winner of the Chortle Student Comedy Award 2026.
MEET THE COMEDIANS
Luke Stewart
“Every line headbutts the audience with a cheeky staccato assuredness.” — British Comedy Guide
Caroline Gustafsson
Just a weird lil guy.
Dean T. Beirne
“So likeable and funny, a future star.” — Larry Dean, SNL UK
Jack Simmonds
Working-class comedian from Manchester—mums love him, dads want him.
Louise Creechan
So smart, yet so stupid—Booksmart, but dyslexic.
Marina Smith
Offbeat stand-up comedian with an alternative sensibility.
Matthew Hayhow
“Fearless, sharp and utterly hilarious.” — One4Review
Phoebe LaReine
Internationally ignored, locally tolerated—this queen is here to overshare.
Pheebs Stephenson
“Great energy… likeable and quirky.” — The Stand Comedy Club
Saoirse O’Hooligan
“Exploring the most curious comedy corners.” — British Comedy Guide
Scout Robertson
A wee cow trapped in a big guy’s body.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
Now entering its fifth year, the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 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 significant online audiences.
This year’s comedians will compete through heats and semi-finals for a place in the Grand Final at London’s Comedy Store. One performer will walk away with the £1,000 cash prize and the title of LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2026.
Come for the comedy, vote for your favourites and help us find our next champion!