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!
We are down to the semi finals, guided by our lovely MC Dom McGovern, and with your headliner Maple Zuo (LGBTQ New Comedian Finalist, BBC Cultural Frontline), this will be a perfect night of queer comedy!
COMPETITORS
Phoebe LaReine - Internationally ignored, locally tolerated, this queen is here to overshare
Jack Simmonds - Working-class comedian from Manchester, mums love him, dads want him
Caz Thorne - Absurd, silly stand up from a South London lesbian
Ben Tulloh - “They’ve got something about ’em.” Danny Dyer
Sweet FA - What would happen in Alan Bennett did Sister Act
Scout Robertson - A wee cow trapped in a big guy's body
Eden Voss - A gay and autistic comedian with a darkly optimistic view
Willow Marler - JK Rowling's Sleep Paralysis Demon
Will Burke - One liner absurdist. Both non binary and bisexual
Caroline Gustafsson - Just a weird lil guy
Marco Devalier - High-energy, raunchy standup - impeccably dressed, unspeakably gay and incredibly Asian
Ro Dodgson - Gender nuisance comedian. Cracking the circuit and bothering the NHS
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, Tickets available at the door