BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2016 launches

The competition, which first started in 1995, has kick-started the careers of many top UK comics, with past winners and finalists including: Rhod Gilbert, Josie Long, Peter Kay, Angela Barnes, Alan Carr, Nina Conti, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican and Russell Howard.

For the first time the BBC Radio New Comedy Award will be hosted by the home of radio comedy Radio 4, who will broadcast the live final, and the heats will be played out on Radio 4 Extra.

Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy, BBC Radio 4 says: “I am delighted to open the BBC Radio New Comedy Awards for entries for 2016; it feels right that the competition will now be hosted by Radio 4 which is after all the home of radio comedy. We have a long tradition of supporting new comedy talent and it’s very exciting to be searching for a brand new comedy star!”

Whoever wins will take home £1,000 and a 15-minute script commission from BBC Radio Comedy. All finalists will be mentored by the in house comedy department across the year and receive advice, guidance and the chance to appear in slots across the BBC.

Entrants need to submit a 5 minute comedy routine and complete the application form at www.bbc.co.uk/newcomedyaward before the closing date of Tuesday 19 April 2016.

The best 60 entries will be selected for six regional heats in June, recording in London’s Up The Creek, the Manchester Comedy Store and the Cardiff Glee Club. The semi-finals and finals will be recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the final being broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 14 August.

The judging panel will consist of an editor from BBC Comedy; Steve Bennett, Editor of Chortle; plus a different stand-up comedian at each heat. At the final, an expert panel of judges made up of top names from the world of comedy will decide the winner, live on BBC Radio 4.

Recent winners include 2012’s Lucy Beaumont, who has a second series of To Hull And Back starting on Radio 4 later this year; and 2013’s Steve Bugeja who has supported Russell Kane on his tour and contributed material to a number of BBC TV and Radio comedy shows. In 2014 the title was taken by Lost Voice Guy who is currently writing a radio pilot for in house development, and in 2015 it was won by Yuriko Kotani, who is now working closely with the BBC Radio Comedy department.

About BBC Radio 4 Comedy
Radio 4 is the home of radio comedy in the UK with its distinctive mix of content, ranging from programmes with emerging writers and performers to classic formats and high profile comedians.

Radio 4’s comedy programmes have a weekly reach of 5.56m according to the latest Rajar figures, and its Friday Night Comedy podcast often charts at number one.

About BBC Radio 4 Extra
Radio 4 Extra is now the UK’s second biggest digital-only station with 2.11 million listeners per week. 4 Extra broadcasts classic comedy and drama like Dad’s Army, Morecambe and Wise and Hancock’s Half Hour alongside new speech programmes like TED Radio Hour, Comedy Club and the Rose d’Or award winning Newsjack hosted by Nish Kumar.

Notes to Editors
All applicants must submit an audio recording of themselves performing a five minute comedy routine (sketch, music or stand up) by uploading according to instructions at www.bbc.co.uk/newcomedyaward

Recordings of routines longer than five minutes will be disqualified. Please contact us if you have special requirements for delivery by emailing newcomedyaward@bbc.co.uk or calling 03700 100 200.

Full terms and conditions are available to view here

The heats take place as follows:

London – 7 June – Up the Creek
London – 8 June – Up the Creek

Manchester – 21 June – The Comedy Store
Manchester – 22 June – The Comedy

Cardiff – 28 June – The Glee Club
Cardiff – 29 June – The Glee Club

The awards are being produced by Suzy Grant for BBC Radio Comedy.

HM2

Related BBC Links

• BBC Radio Comedy Award - apply here
• BBC Radio New Comedy Award - Terms & Conditions