BBC Radio New Comedy Award Feed

Heat Eight - London, 2014

2014-10-31T15:22:05+00:00

You can catch the eighth heat of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2014 on Friday 31st October at 10.30pm on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Here's some more information about the comedians performing in this heat:

Gareth Brand

Gareth Brand is from the small village of Colwinston in South Wales. He is the finest stand-up comedian they have ever produced. He is also better than most of the comedians in neighbouring Corntown.

Twitter: @garethbrand

Luke Capasso

33 year old American, 5’6” with semi athletic build; he likes going out as well as a quiet night cuddling under a duvet. Luke also enjoys doing stand-up comedy. Previous jobs include six years in the US military, being a badass handy man and has raised two kids (that’s more of a hobby though).

Twitter: @lukecapasso

Joshua Sadler

“Hello BBC, I’m Joshua Sadler. That is me. I entered because I flipping love being judged by a room of people but that has stopped daunting me so I wanted to be judged by a wider audience, on air… also it’s for the BBC.”

David Garratt

“I've been doing stand-up comedy for about two years now, mainly in Brighton, with the occasional foray further afield. When the ad came out for the BBC competition I thought that looked well worth the train fare- and I'm looking forward to giving it a go.”

Sofie Hagen

“Hi. I’m Sofie. I am 25 years old and I moved to your lovely country two years ago to do stand-up comedy. I entered the BBC New Comedy Award competition because winning it would be the first step towards slowly but surely taking over your country and making it Denmarkcountry.“

Twitter: @SofieHagen

James McDonnell

“I began musical stand-up comedy to combine the 2 loves of my life - music and standing in front of strangers looking afraid. I have entered the competition so I can show the maximum amount of people how rubbish I am at the guitar.”

Twitter: @JmacMachine

Kiri Pritchard-McLean

“Great to be a part of the BBC New Comedy Awards this year. I get to gig in the big smoke too, so will make a day of it probably push the boat out and send my parents a postcard in the shape of the Queen's head while I'm there.”

Twitter: @kiripritchardmc

Tom Toal

Tom Toal is a comedian, writer and actor from Bexleyheath. Having watched comedy from a young age Tom can’t see himself doing anything else. Having had great success in previous years at the Edinburgh Festival, this year he performed his first full hour show, ‘Prequel’.

Twitter: @TomToal

Tom Ward

“Comedy is my love, my passion, my wife (and mistress)....I leave my phone on for her at night in case she calls. This competition is where dreams are made...where me, the wife and the audience share The Moment and it's all understood .”

Twitter: @tomwardvoice

Hari Sriskantha

“Hello! My name is Hari, and I’m a part-time comedian/writer. I’m also a full-time software developer, which is great for my other hobby: killing every conversation. I’m entering the BBC New Comedy Award because I love performing comedy, and — like most comedians — I thrive on external validation.”

Twitter: @harisriskantha

Heat Seven - London, 2014

2014-10-24T10:24:19+00:00

You can catch the seventh heat of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2014 on Friday 24th October at 10.30pm on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Here's some more information about the comedians performing in this heat:

Daniel Cook

"I used to be in a sketch group but now I'm on my own and have been doing stand-up since May. It's been absolutely fine. I'm not really sure why I entered the competition. Seems like a nice night out."

Twitter: @dancook100

Nick Elleray

"I've performed comedy since 2012. I've entered the NCA in order to share the 'gift of laughter' or - in the event of my not being funny - the 'gift vouchers of laughter' (which the audience can redeem at any other comedian participating in the scheme. Check voucher for details)."

Twitter: @nickelleray

Philip Simon

Philip is a Jewish comedian who has won the Comedy Cafe's New Act Night twice, and been a finalist in the Golden Jester Awards 2012 and Comedy Knights Fresh Comedian 2014. He has been described by The Stage as "never less than hilarious" and sees himself as a regular on TV & Radio panel shows in years to come.

Twitter: @PhilipsComedy

Colin Chadwick

"I'm a male comedienne from the southeast of Ireland and living in London. I've entered the BBC New Comedy Award so I can share my disappointment with a wider audience and of course, because BBC Comedy is what got me into stand-up in the first place."

Twitter: @colinchadwick

Joe Sutherland

A former child actor, ex-model and fashion school drop-out. Joe has been performing stand-up for a mere 18 months. Based in London, he loves comedy because it doesn't respect him and never returns his calls. He entered this competition in the hope of getting closer to Kirsty Young.

Twitter: @JoeSutherland_

Larry Dean

Crowned Scottish Comedian of the Year and winner of Bath Comedy Festival's Comedian of The Year in 2013, Larry Dean recently appeared on BBC's Best of Edinburgh and BBC Radio Scotland's: The Fred McAulay Show.

Twitter: @larrydeancomedy

Nabil Abdul Rashid

In 2010, aged 22, Abdul Rashid became the youngest black comedian to perform stand up at the Hammersmith Apollo. He entered the ‘Which Religion Is Funniest?’ competition. He was crowned joint winner of the national competition, judged by David Baddiel and Omid Djalili, and he was chosen to perform at the premiere of the film The Infidel. Nabil is notably a clean comic and does not swear onstage.

Twitter: @Nabilu

Jordan Brookes

"I have been doing comedy for about 3 years. I love nothing more than sitting on a chair doing nothing, and hate nothing more than to be caught sitting on a chair doing nothing. I scowl too much and smile too little. I've entered the competition because it's a great opportunity to see some brilliant new acts, and resent them immensely when they go through to the next round."

Twitter: @jordbrookes

Penella Mellor

"I'm a baby comedian and when I grow up I want to be like Jo Brand. Just like Jo, I used to be a nurse too! (I'm not allowed to say why I'm not one now though). I'm in the competition because they won't let me back in the NHS."

Twitter: @PenellaMellor

Ella Woods

Ella is a 25-year-old comedian from Brighton via New York, Copenhagen and Peckham, and is currently part of the Soho Theatre Comedy Lab. She first entered the competition at 7 years old, and is back just 18 years later to give it another go. Fingers crossed.

Twitter: @raphaellawoods

Heat Six - Manchester, 2014

2014-10-17T14:01:31+00:00

You can catch the sixth heat of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2014 on Friday 17th October at 10.30pm on BBC Radio 4 Extra. The show was recorded at the iconic Comedy Store in Manchester.

Here's some more information about the comedians performing in this heat:

Adam Benjamin

I'm not great at connecting with people so decided to do something that required me to connect with dozens simultaneously, which in retrospect doesn't make much sense but I feel like I'm committed at this stage. Be committed now or be committed later was essentially the choice.

Twitter: @adambenjiman

Jason Arthur

Jason took the decision to take up Stand up comedy a couple of years ago when his wife was pregnant with their second child - as it seemed like the sensible thing to do! In entering the competition he hopes he can do well and his wife may eventually forgive him!

Twitter: @mejasonarthur

George Lewis

George Lewis is a comedian from Stockport who has been trying to impress his grandma for the past 27 years. If there's one thing Marian loves, it's BBC radio. So this is his best chance yet.

Twitter: @Georgebot5000

Edmund Colley

Edmund Colley is a stand-up comedian and writer who has performed in venues across the UK. Based in the North-west, he regularly performs in competition nights and local gigs. Edmund was also the director of the Edinburgh Fringe sketch show "Cosmonauts". He also co-created the radio sitcom series, "Off Course".

Twitter: @MrColleysCorner

Laura Lexx

I'm Laura, I'm a Brighton based writer and comedian and I entered because I am the greatest living comedian in the world. No, wait, that's Eddie Izzard. I entered because I'm addicted to entering things. AM I RIGHT? LADS? Reading this back, I have no idea why I entered.

Twitter: @lauralexx

Kate Lucas

Kate is a musical comedian who tells stories too. She got into comedy because she thought it would make her fearless. The best heckle she’s ever had was an elderly lady who shouted “No. Nasty. Wrong.”

Twitter: @lateylucas

Pearse James O'Halloran

My name is Pearse James. My age are my waistline are perfectly aligned. My favourite type of music is Deep Filthstep. I am entering this competition to give my Mum an excuse to buy a digital radio.

Twitter: @pearsejames

Funmbi Omotayo

Funmbi Omotayo is creating a huge storm on the comedy circuit with tales of living in Hackney, his Nigerian roots and his hilarious day to day observations.

Twitter: @funmbi

Daniel Piper

My name is Daniel Piper. I was born five weeks premature and I have small hands. I am a comedian/poet/writer. I prefer not to just say ‘comedian’ or ‘poet’ because sometimes my work is more funny that poetic, and sometimes it is more poetic than funny. Over the past couple years I have performed at several venues and festivals across London, as well as a small pub in a small town called Cradley Heath. I’ve entered this competition because I’d like to perform at a few more.

Twitter: @panieldiper

Brennan Reece

Brennan Reece is a young comic from Manchester. Despite being a relative newcomer to the circuit he has performed in some of the best comedy clubs in the country, was a part of the prestigious Comedy Reserve in Edinburgh for The Pleasance and recently supported Joe Lycett on his UK Tour. He entered the competition as it seemed like a nice thing to do, and the list of brilliant acts that have previously taken part in it, it would seem daft not to. He lives at home with his parents, has a yellow car and is the proud owner of a Chihuahua dog.

Twitter: @BrennanReece

Heat Five - Manchester, 2014

2014-10-10T08:04:43+00:00

You can catch the fifth heat of the New Comedy Award 2014 on Friday 10th October at 10.30pm on BBC Radio 4 Extra. The show was recorded at the iconic Comedy Store in Manchester.

Here's some more information about the comedians performing in this heat:

Vicky Arlidge

Vicky Arlidge fell into comedy in 2011 after writing a song about motherhood that went viral on YouTube. Since then she has made two trips to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, (nominated for the ‘Best Show Award’ by Funny Women 2013), performed at Glastonbury and clocked up over 35,000 YouTube hits.

Twitter: @VickyArlidge

Dalia Malek

Dalia Malek is a PhD candidate based in London and entered the competition because she is looking to take the next step in comedy.

Twitter: @daliamalek

Russell Hicks

"Hi....I'm originally from California. 4 1/2 years in has lead me to London, then it took me to Manchester....if these trends continue, I should be in Chester by 2016."

Adam Hastings

Adam Hastings is a Geordie. Adam Hastings is a comedian.

"Elegant and Stunning!" - Barry.

"I pictured him as being tall but he's just kind of like, you know, normal height." - An onlooker/audient.

"A geordie comedian!" - Adam Hastings

Michael Stranney

“My real name is Michael Stranney which I don’t use on stage for tax reasons. I entered the competition because when I started stand-up 2 years ago I said to myself ‘I’ll keep going until I get on radio or TV’. So now that’s happened, I can finally retire. So thank you everyone. It’s been fabulous.”

Julie Oliver

“The only 2 things that you need to know about me is that I love Concorde and hate Falconry. I have entered the BBC Comedy award as the BBC created some of my favourite TV comedy shows, specifically Terry and June (I have the boxset)”

Andrew McBurney

“I've been doing stand-up comedy for just over 2 years now, I'm Glaswegian but lived in The Black Country most of my adult life. I entered this competition because BBC Radio Comedy (Blue Jam, League Of Gentlemen etc.) has been a source of inspiration and massive laughs, I wanna do that too.”

Joshua Ross

Josh started performing stand up in 2011. He began by telling puns and one liners, then more self-deprecating anxiety ridden stuff and is now trying to just be himself on stage and failing, but as John Hegley paraphrased Beckett 'it is important in life to stumble from one failure to the next'.

Twitter: @joshyross

Darren Walsh

Genial giant, Darren Walsh, brings a kaleidoscope of surreal and straight-up hilarious comic possibilities in the form of one-liners, silly sounds, brief musical stings and even invisible horses. Darren's recent crowning as UK Pun Champion has increasingly marked him out as one of the vital new comic voices.

Twitter: @TheGiantTweets

Pav Thiruchelvarajah

Pav is 34-years-old and has performed in London for roughly three years and is extremely bitter (he prefers the word ‘passionate’) about a number of issues. His stand-up tends to focus on just one issue on which he dwells on for an unnecessarily long time, whether the audience likes it or not.

Heat Four - Cardiff, 2014

2014-10-02T14:50:41+00:00

This week's New Comedy Award heat was recorded in Cardiff and hosted by Pete Otway. You can catch it on Radio 4 Extra at 10.30pm on Friday 3rd October 2014.

Here's some more information about the comedians performing in this heat:

David Stanier

David is a silly and polite young man. Originally from Stoke-on-Trent and his favourite colour is "I can't decide". He entered for the BBC NCA 2014 after hearing the Lighthouse Family for the very first time in July and after having a really great time before in this very brilliant competition.

Twitter: @DavidStanier

Ian Lane

"I am a 5’10” customer services lackey from Aldershot, who does comedy because he doesn’t have the interpersonal skills to direct theatre. I’ve entered the competition because all my best jokes are visual, and, as a masochist, I prefer to only enter competitions where I feel at a massive disadvantage."

Twitter: @IanAvenueLane

Scott Bennett

"I have always been passionate about comedy and the BBC has been at the forefront of some of the most important and influential comedy programmes over the years. I entered the competition to take my comedy career to the next level. My style is simple observational humour, about family, relationships and the subtleties of human behaviour."

Twitter: @ScottiBee

Steff Todd

"I'm a northern lass, I like to think I have a knack for impressions and accents! I'm obsessed with stand up, watching and performing. I dared myself to enter this years BBC New Comedy Award because it's such an awesome platform for new comedians!"

Twitter: @SteffTodd

Joe Wells

"I did a few gigs whilst I was at university, then when I graduated it seemed like a sensible career to pursue in the current job market. This year I did my first hour long show at the Edinburgh Fringe called 'Night of The Living Tories' about the history of the conservative party."

Twitter: @joewellscomic

Olaf Falafal

A unique mixture of one-liners and silly Scandinavian-tinged stories has earned Olaf the purely fictitious title of 'Sweden's eighth funniest comedian'.

Twitter: @Ofalafal

Harriet Kemsley

Harriet started to do stand-up three years ago on the rather strange advice of her parents. She started to perform on the open mic circuit, telling elaborate and unnecessary lies to her housemates to explain her whereabouts.

Twitter: @harrietkemsley

Ben Clover

"I first did comedy at university in 2002. Depressed about the Iraq war, I stopped until 2012. Since then I've gigged all over the UK, in Germany and Australia. In these posed pictures there's no crowd and we’re not actually performing. None of the other acts will tell you this."

Twitter: @saliberisha1

Daniel Audritt

Daniel started to perform stand-up comedy in December 2013 as a means of engaging directly with audiences to advance his writing. His style combines self-deprecating one-liners with a personal narrative. Having caught the bug, Daniel is trying to pursue yet another dream. He is also a filmmaker and a playwright.

Twitter: @DanielAudritt

Glenn Moore

A stand up and sketch comedian, Glenn is one half of the comedy duo ‘Thunderbards.’ He has been gigging for 2 years so far and was forced into doing his first stand-up gig at university when a few of the acts dropped out. Since then he has supported Josie Long on tour.

Twitter: @TheNewsAtGlenn

Heat Three - Cardiff, 2014

2014-09-26T11:06:45+00:00

This week's New Comedy Award heat was recorded in Cardiff and hosted by John Robins. You can catch it on Radio 4 Extra at 10.30pm on Friday 26th September 2014.

Here's some more information about the comedians performing in this heat:

Jack Campbell

“I started stand-up comedy at De Montfort University in early 2010 and started performing regularly in 2012. I've always listened and watched stand-up comedy, from old VHS tapes of Alan Davies and Robin Williams to downloading Dane Cook and Jim Carey stand-up specials and listening to them constantly. “

Twitter: @yourboyjc

Jenny Collier

“'I am a comedian from Wales, living in London. I have entered the BBC New Comedy competition so I have something other than a gaping abyss of time to look forward to after the Edinburgh Festival. Also I understand its an excellent springboard for comedians”

Twitter: @jenjencollier

Benji Waterstones

“I'm a trainee psychiatrist struggling to adjust to a new life in London. Instead of trying to sort out my problems I just write jokes about them. I entered the BBC completion to get closer to Susanna Reid, but she saw me coming and jumped ship.”

Twitter: @its_benjis

Tom Little

“I entered the BBC New Comedy Award because I saw a tweet telling me to. The tweet wasn't aimed at me specifically but I'm easily influenced like that.”

Twitter: @thisistomlittle

Jay Cowle

“I wanted to do stand-up because I really wanted to do cat impressions, and jokes about space and time seemed the best way to do it.”

Twitter: @JayCowle

Harriet Dyer

Harriet is originally from the land of Cornwall but currently resides in Manchester. Her stand up mainly consists of general life palavers that have thrusted her way during a somewhat eventful life so far. Plus a side garnish of gangly squawking...

Twitter: @Dyerlinquent

Alistair Beckett King

“Last year I graduated from the London Film School with no real prospects, and I thought that instead of just being an unsuccessful filmmaker, I ought to try to become an unsuccessful comedian as well. I am enjoying it, because failing at stand-up is faster and less expensive.”

Liam Sullivan

Liam is a huge stand up fan. He has been performing stand-up quite regularly for the past 18 months and has racked up over 100 gigs…

Twitter: @a_liam_sullivan

Garrett Millerick

“I began performing stand up as a means of compering my own characters. Quite quickly the character elements became smaller and I became a stand up act. I have been gigging as a stand up act since February 2012.”

Twitter: @fergaltweet

Alice Matthews

“I was at university and required to do presentations. I had a fear of public speaking so did a comedy course to see if that helped. It did and I started going to open mic nights. I met a bunch of great people who in turn became great friends and have been performing stand up ever since. “

Twitter: @allymatthews

Heat Two - Edinburgh, 2014

2014-09-19T07:57:51+00:00

You can listen to the second heat of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2014 at 10.30pm on Friday 19th September 2014 on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Here's some extra information about competitors in our second heat:

Danny Clives

"I am 24 years old and I have been doing stand up for just over a year and a half. I entered the competition as a lot of the previous winners and finalists have been a huge inspiration to me"

Follow: @sbjavelinthrow

Rio Bauer

“I began gigging in Dublin shortly before moving to Manchester and winning the Chortle Student Comedy Award 2013. I decided to enter BBC New Comedy to in order to somehow grow closer to the love of my life Ed Miliband.”

Follow: @riobauer

Phil Jerrod

“My name is Phil Jerrod, I'm a Brighton Based stand-up comedian and I've been performing regularly since 2012. My first gig was below an Angus Steakhouse in Brighton, I have entered the Radio 2 New Comedy award in the hope of getting more gigs above ground.”

Follow: @PhilJerrod

Evelyn Mok

A 26-year old stand-up from ‘the herring-eating, flat-pack-furniture-loving socialist haven that is Sweden, who relocated to London on an erasmus exchange in 2012. A finalist in Chortle Student Awards in 2013 and part of Time Out Introduces and the Pleasance Comedy Reserve 2014. Looking forward to the NCA as a means of reference for future employment in this comedy shenanigans.

Follow: @evelynmok

Ed Caruana

"I'm a stand up based in London. It’s not always easy to find packed gigs to play – one recent audience was literally a man and his dog. And the dog ran off the moment I started my set. I’m hoping this competition might secure me a few nicer gigs."

Nick Dixon

At 10 years old Nick Dixon was making his entire class laugh with witty ad-libs that would still hold up to scrutiny today. However it took 19 more years of abject failure at absolutely everything else to finally force him to get up on stage. The rest is history.

Follow: @nickdixxon

Laura McClenaghan

"I’ve been performing comedy for about 2 years now and it’s been amazing. On the other hand, I have been sacked from 4 real jobs this year and I think this competition may be my only chance to move out of my mother’s spare room. She really, really supports this."

Amir Khoshsokhan

"Hi, I'm Amir. I've been doing stand up for about 3 years now. I've entered the competition because I want to be a writer and a potato. Thanks. Good luck. Regards, Amir."

Follow: @AmirK17

Sam Carrington

Sam got into comedy relatively late, but is making up lost time by drawing on experience from previous media roles and other more random experiences in his professional and social life. 2014 has seen his first full run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and it won't be his last.

Follow: @SamIamGC

Lolly Adefope

“I haven't been doing comedy for very long, but I entered the BBC New Comedy Award so that I'd have something to write about myself in the Fringe programme next year, if I make it to any of the finals. So fingers crossed!!!”

Follow: @lollyadefope

Words from the producer

2014-09-12T14:52:07+00:00

The New Comedy Award 2014 kicks off on BBC Radio 4 Extra every Friday night at 10.30pm from 12th September - here's producer Adnan Ahmed on the awards so far:

The heats as broadcast on Radio 4 Extra are the next stage of a nationwide search for the best new stand up talent.

Previous winners and finalists of the prestigious award include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Julian Barratt, Marcus Brigstocke, Russell Howard, Rhod Gilbert, David O’Doherty and Shappi Khorsandi.

The process started in May when the call was placed on the air for comedians to send in five mins clips of their best material - from clips recorded professionally to acts in their bedrooms talking into their phones, comedians from right across the UK have entered.

Steve Bugeja shows us what life is like after the award and how everybody knows his name.

Scouts from the New Comedy Award also scoured comedy clubs and festivals to spot the best new acts and encourage them to enter.

We received over 750 entries which has now been whittled down to just 80 for the heats. All entries were catalogued andever single entry received two listens by a writer or performer who judged them on originality, writing and most of all if they made them laugh!

After this painstaking process, we now have these finished shows from Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester and London. Over the next eight weeks you’ll be able to join us as we highlight some really exciting new talent. We’re joined by guest judges such as Jason Byrne, Alun Cochrane, Stephen K.Amos and Shappi Korshandi.

Tune in every Friday and soon you’ll be able to say you heard them here first!

Heat One - Edinburgh, 2014

2014-09-12T09:27:40+00:00

And we're off! You can listen to the first heat of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2014 at 10pm on Friday 12^th September 2014 on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Here’s some extra information about our first competitors:

Jack Barry

Jack started performing sketch comedy as a student. He wanted to go to Cambridge and be in the Footlights but wasn't clever enough so went to Leeds and was in the Tealights. After university he started to do stand-up because he likes to be lonely. He still performs sketch comedy as Twins with his twin sister Annie McGrath. He's entered this competition in the hope that it will help his career, despite the fact that he always does terribly in competitions. He's written this in the third person.

Follow: @JBazzler

Ed Caruana

“I’m a stand up based in London. It’s not always easy to find packed gigs to play – one recent audience was literally a man and his dog. And the dog ran off the moment I started my set. I’m hoping this competition might secure me a few nicer gigs.”

Matthew Courtnell

Humour in the purest form gathering the funny in the not so funny parts of his life with self-deprecating storytelling that unfolds personal revealing stories to share and charming wordplay. 25 years old in the limbo of adulthood who struggles with his generation, masculinity and social anxieties.

Follow: @Courtcomedy

Lucy Frederick

Lucy is a comedian, actor, writer and fat model based in London. She grew up in East Sussex thinking she might one day represent Great Britain in Equestrianism. But she ended up in comedy instead. She has always loved BBC radio so she is thrilled to have this opportunity.

Follow: @LucyFrederick

Paul Jones

“As a lifelong comedy fan it was almost inevitable that I would try my hand at stand up. Making people laugh has been one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things I've ever done. If I won BBC New Comedian of the Year I’ll probably even postpone my killing spree.”

Sean Hegarty

Sean is a Northern Irish one-liner comedian who recently came runner-up in the UK Pun Championships, Sean has written for BBC TV (Monumental) and Radio (Radio Ulster).

'A tremendous joke-technician' - Culture NI

Follow: @Sean_Hegarty

Njambi McGrath

Njambi has been described as the hottest thing to come out of Africa since the Sahara, voted 1 of 5 top female comedians to watch by Fabulous Magazine, blazing the trail for black comedians by the Guardian. Njambi is currently doing her inaugural one woman show called BongoLicious picked by chortle as a top 10 to watch.

Follow: @njambi1

Lost Voice Guy

“Hi, I'm Lee Ridley AKA Lost Voice Guy. I am (probably) the first stand-up comedian to use a communication aid. I'm from Newcastle but haven't picked up the accent yet. I entered the competition because I am keen to develop my skills as a comedian.”

Follow: @lostvoiceguy

Abigoliah Schamaun

Abigoliah has developed a reputation as a fast talking no holds-bar-comedian. Since starting stand-up in New York she has performed all over the world including festivals such as: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Abigoliah released her debut stand up album, "Subtle" in December of 2013. She now lives in and performs in London.

Follow: @abigoliah

John Tansey

“I am a Scotsman living in Brighton. I always loved how comedy can be serious and stupid at the same time, so I took the serious and stupid decision to start doing stand-up at 36. I entered the NCA to see where it might take me.”

Follow: @johntansey3

The Heats are Coming!

2014-08-06T13:49:47+00:00

Nearly 800 budding stand-ups applied, and the NCA team have been busy whittling the entries down to just 80 to take part in the first heats of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2014.

The competition kicks off at the Edinburgh Fringe this month – if you don't have tickets, don't despair. Come along to the BBC@Potterrow site anyway for a drink and maybe some table tennis.

You can catch the first heats on BBC Radio 4 Extra on these dates:

Edinburgh Heat 1 -10.30pm on 12^th September 2014

Edinburgh Heat 2 - 10.30pm on 19^th September 2014

Cardiff Heat 1 - 10.30pm on 26^th September 2014

Cardiff Heat 2 - 10.30pm on 3^rd October 2014

Manchester Heat 1 - 10.30pm on 10^th October 2014

Manchester Heat 2 - 10.30pm on 17^th October 2014

London Heat 1 - 10.30pm on 24^th October 2014

London Heat 2 - 10.30pm on 31^st October 2014

Make sure you follow the BBC Radio New Comedy Award on Twitter to get updates from the heats!

FAQ - All you need to know about applying for the NCA 2014

2014-06-23T07:58:10+00:00

We've noticed a few common questions popping up in our inbox and on our Twitter feed about how to apply for the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2014. Here’s all you need to know!

"Can my audio entry be longer than five minutes?"

No. Please submit five minute tracks only. As per our terms and conditions, 'recordings of routines longer than five minutes will be disqualified'.

"Does it have to be on SoundCloud? Can I not just upload to YouTube?”

Yes. Your audio must be uploaded to SoundCloud and set as ‘downloadable’ to allow us to assess your submission, without it your application could be disqualified. Please refer to our SoundCloud guide to get you started.

"Is the absolute deadline for entries absolutely the 7th July?”

Yes – Late applications will not be accepted.

"Does my entry have to be recorded in front of a live audience?"

No, you can record your audio where ever you want, in front of whoever you want. It just needs to audible, five minutes long and with us by the 7th July 2014.

"Can I send in a sketch? I've got a YouTube video skit that I could just use the audio from, right?"

This is a stand-up competition - we're looking for stand-up that works on the radio, so presenting yourself as a sketch act is going to make your entry appear weaker than others. It may count against you when we listen to all of the entries.

We do allow double acts and character acts – but you should be performing stand-up material, rather than a funny scene.

Have another question? Send it to us on Twitter @bbcnewcomedy14

Good luck!

How to upload audio to SoundCloud

2014-06-10T09:08:28+00:00

Applications open for the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2014 on Thursday 12th June.

Just like last year, we will be asking you to submit five minutes of your own material using SoundCloud. You will need to upload your audio and paste the SoundCloud link into your application form.

Sound scary? NO! It’s really easy! Here's a step-by-step guide to uploading and sharing your audio with us:

Step one: Record your audio

Before you get going on SoundCloud you should record five minutes of your own, unaired on TV or Radio material. This doesn’t need to be recorded with an audience; it just needs to be five minutes in length, audible and either an .mp3 or a .wav.

Step two: Sign in to SoundCloud

Now you’ve recorded your comedy gold, go to the SoundCloud home page. You will be asked to sign up using your ‘Facebook account’, ‘Google+ account’ or you can use your email address. You will then be asked to fill in your date of birth and create a username.

If you already have a SoundCloud account, you should sign in as usual.

Step two: Set-up an account

Step three: Upload your audio

Once you have successfully signed into SoundCloud select ‘Choose file to upload’. You will then be able to select the audio you recorded in step one.

Step three: Upload your audio

Step four: Basic details

Now you have selected your audio successfully, you need to fill in some basic details to complete the upload process. You will be prompted to add a title, some tags and a short description.

You should select your track to be 'public’ within the 'Basic details' tab. You then need to enable 'downloads' within the permissions tab. This is very important as it will allow us to download your track. If you do not want to post your submission publically, you can also list it as 'private'. Please drop us a line directly at newcomedyaward@bbc.co.uk to make us aware of a 'private' listing.

Step four: Basic details

Step five: Upload complete

After filling in all your details and selecting ‘public’, your audio is ready to be shared. Select ‘Go to track’

Go to track

Step six: Viewing your track

You should now be on the page for your track. Copy and paste the URL of the page. You can also hit the 'share' button, this will give you the same URL.

Track URL

Step seven: Paste link into your NCA 2014 application form

Paste your link into your BBC Radio New Comedy Award form to complete your application.

Remember, applications open on Thursday 12th June 2014. Good luck!

Steve Bugeja: I no longer feel like a massive fraud

2014-05-28T08:09:10+00:00

Winning the BBC New Comedy Award was brilliant. Quite simply it was the best thing that has happened to me in my career so far. The immediate benefit of winning was that I got very drunk on free wine (3 white wines) after the final. This lead to me stumbling into the Burger King by Tottenham Court Road holding my trophy and demanding free chips. Undoubtedly a low point of what was otherwise a great evening. The award didn't catapult me to instant stardom as my mum presumed it would, but it has created a huge amount of opportunities for me. Opportunities that I am trying desperately to take advantage of.

For example I have just finished supporting Russell Kane on his national tour "Smallness". This was a fantastic learning curve. Performing in front of big theatres for 25 minutes every night helped me develop as a comic, I feel I've become far more confident on stage and much more willing to throw new bits in. But getting to watch one of the best comedians in the country up close and personal every night has been invaluable. I stayed and watched every single show and would often quiz him after about the technical aspects of stand-up, each time picking up that little extra nugget of gold. But probably also annoying him immensely.

As part of my prize for winning the award I am currently developing a pilot for BBC Radio Comedy. My producer Carl Cooper has been brilliant. I have spent the last 5 months working out exactly what I want my pilot to be and have now settled on making a sitcom, kind of. I have weekly meetings with Carl where I present my latest efforts. He will often set me homework such as read this book, watch this sitcom or be funnier. Simply by going through this process I feel like I am learning a huge amount about constructing a scripted sitcom. I’m excited to record my pilot in the next few months.

I should also say that the BBC Comedy department have been extremely supportive in general. The NCA producer Tilusha and her team were wonderful to work with throughout the award stages, and since winning it the entire department have been great. A few weeks ago I was invited to be the additional material writer on the Newsquiz the Radio 4 topical panel show. I basically spent two days locked in a room with five other writers and came up with jokes. It was great fun. I will soon be doing a similar thing for The Now Show. I also often go to recordings for radio 4 shows, which a few weeks ago lead to the frankly odd situation where I was sat in a pub watching Chris Addison swap anecdotes with my Dad.

Probably the most tangible difference to my career since winning the award has been on the live circuit. I now regularly get paid to do the best job in the world and get to play some of the nicest rooms in the country. In short, I no longer feel like a massive fraud when I tell people I am a stand-up comedian. This Edinburgh I am very excited to be hosting The Comedy Zone every night in the Pleasance Courtyard. Some of my favourite comedians have MC’d The Zone including Russell Howard, John Oliver and Dave Gorman, so I can't wait to do it myself. I then plan to take my debut solo show to Edinburgh in 2015.

There's loads of other stuff I've been lucky enough to do since winning, including appearing on Radio 4 Extra’s Comedy Club with Arthur Smith, filming a sketch with Patrick Kielty and performing on a moving canal boat in front of all the BBC’s Comedy executives, but I’ve run out of words.

I found this blog quite difficult to write because it just feels like I’m banging on about how well things are going. So, I'm sorry for that. It's not all been great, I still spend hours writing jokes which turn out to be guff, drive to Hereford for very little money and don't have a girlfriend. But put simply the award did give me an invaluable leg up in this industry for which I will always be massively grateful. So if you're thinking about entering it, stop thinking and just do it. It’s great. Good luck. But don't expect free chips.

Follow Steve on Twitter: @SteveBugeja

The grand final is here!

2013-12-09T12:37:26+00:00

After months of putting some of Britain's brightest new comedy prospects to the test, the live final of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award is here.

We'll be on Radio 2 from 8pm with host Patrick Kielty and our six finalists, who'll each perform a seven minute set. You can meet them all here. Our SMS and online vote will be opened by Patrick at the end of the hour long show, and closed by him at the start of the results show, which broadcasts live from 10pm.

To find out more about the voting terms and conditions, click here. The online vote is completely free, but you'll need to sign into your BBCiD to cast your vote. Find out more about BBCiD here. The online vote will take place on the BBC Radio New Comedy Award homapage. Voting by SMS will cost your standard message rate.

Missed out on a ticket? We'll be filming the night and bringing you highlights on Wednesday - in the meantime, watch our films from the semi-finals and the heats here.

Aside from voting, you can still get involved! Send us your comments using the hashtag #BBCNCA and they may be http://www.twitter.com/bbcnewcomaward or featured in our live blog of the night!

How 2011 winner Angela Barnes gave up the day job

2013-12-05T11:46:08+00:00

In 2011, Brighton's Angela Barnes won the BBC New Comedy Award by a public vote. Here, she shares what she's been up to since taking the title.

So, the BBC New Comedy Award Final is coming around again, and I have been asked to write a little bit about what I’ve been doing since winning it in 2011.

Angela with host Patrick Kielty and the BBC New Comedy Award class of 2011.

Well, let me see now. Over the past two years, I have spent a disproportionate amount of time sitting on trains, staring at blank screens and pieces of paper and waiting for the tap on the shoulder from the comedy police saying “There’s been a terrible mistake Angela, turns out you’re not a comedian after all, our bad”. But, my insecurities aside, it’s been a pretty bloomin’ amazing couple of years.

Thanks to BBC Radio New Comedy Award, I am a comedian. It’s what I do. It’s my sole income. It’s my job. And, I still can’t quite bring myself to believe that that is true. I think I’ll always feel a fraud saying it.

Before I entered the competition, I was a hopeful performer of open spots who had been doing the open mics for about 18 months. I had a proper day job, and stand-up was a bit of fun. I’d loved being a consumer of comedy for as long as I can remember. Before doing stand-up, I used to run comedy nights, just so I could get my fix. But it took me until I was 33 to have the confidence, or, more accurately, the “who cares what anyone else thinks” attitude to have a go myself.

I very nearly didn’t enter the Award; it was a last minute decision to do it, two days before the closing date. I had nothing to lose - so why not? That was the best last minute decision I’ve ever made. Definitely trumps the one I made in 1987 to wear a metallic cerise top to a school disco.

An excerpt from Angela Barnes' set at the heats of the New Comedy Award 2011.

I was a runner-up in my heat in Brighton, and went through to the semi-finals as a wildcard. Then, against all my expectations, I won the final. Blimey.

Highlights from the live final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2011.

A lot has happened since then. I had to work hard to get a decent club set together, to meet the expectations that people suddenly had of me. I signed with an agent, and began to get booked for paid spots on the circuit.

Since then, things have bumbled along pretty well. When I look back over the past two years, I can’t quite believe some of the things that I have got to do. These are some of the highlights:

Being interviewed by Terry Wogan and Steve Wright on Radio 2. (Not simultaneously.)
Writing on The News Quiz on Radio 4. I’ve been a huge fan for as long as I can remember. The late and wonderful Linda Smith is my biggest inspiration. So to be involved in the show in any way was amazing.
Appearing on Russell Howard’s Good News on BBC Three was a great stepping stone too. Russell gives new stand ups a brilliant chance to do a set on his show, and it’s a long set for TV (14 mins), so really showcases what you can do. It meant that more clubs on the circuit were willing to take a chance on this girl that appeared from nowhere.
In 2012, Matt Richardson (Xtra Factor host) and I took a two-hander show to Edinburgh and we had a blast. I’m dead proud of what Matt has achieved since then. He’ll always be my comedy baby brother.

Now I have signed with Off The Kerb, the agency that looks after so many brilliant acts, Michael McIntyre, Jo Brand, Alan Carr, Kevin Bridges, Seann Walsh, Josh Widdicombe, Jack Dee, Sean Lock, Jon Richardson etc. I can’t quite believe I’m in that illustrious stable.

More recently, I have been a regular team member on the current series of Channel 4’s Stand Up For The Week. Writing and performing a brand new set on TV every week for eight weeks has been the most challenging thing that I’ve done, but definitely one of the most rewarding. It’s been a comedy boot camp and I think I’m surviving.

In 2014, I will be taking my first solo show to the Edinburgh Festival. If you had told me five years ago that I would be doing that. I would have thought you were on crack.

So yes, it’s been quite a journey from the open spot with ten minutes of material that won the BBC New Comedy Award in 2011, to where I am now. I am just enjoying the ride.

It sounds corny to say it, but winning the award really did completely change my life. Some people in the competition will already be well on their way to a career in comedy. But for me, and for many of the finalists, it’s the thing that can give you a massive boost, and validation that you can be a comedian if you want to be. And I did want to be.

Angela Barnes launches the 2012 Award

Winning the BBC Radio New Comedy Award doesn’t mean you’ve made it. It means you’ve made it to the starting line. And it means the hard work begins.

I want to say “Good Luck!” to all the finalists this year. Enjoy the gigs, and just do what you do best. I’m looking forward to meeting the BBC Radio New Comedy Award winner for 2013!

Now you've met Angela, why not meet the 2013 finalists?