Gilded Balloon are delighted to be bringing the UK’s longest running comedy newcomer competition back for its 34th year! Following the success of last year’s competition which saw Omar Badawy take the crown, So You Think You’re Funny? will take place both online and in-person in 2022, with up to 30 virtual showcases taking place across the country and in partnership with some of the UK’s most-loved comedy clubs, and in-person heats and the Grand Final taking place during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the Gilded Balloon.
Applications for the competition are now open. Alongside mentorship from Karen and Katy Koren and the So You Think You’re Funny? producer Julia Chamberlain, this year’s champion will win a cash prize, a run as part of the Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme, a paid slot in the cinch presents Latitude Festival Comedy Arena including a weekend pass, prime paid spots at Glee Birmingham and the Boat Show in London, a recording and edit of their debut solo show which will be made available to stream on NextUp Comedy and a complimentary headshot photoshoot by professional photographer to the stars, Steve Ullathorne.
Katy and Karen Koren, Directors of the Gilded Balloon said: “We are delighted to launch this year’s competition to find brand new comedy talent from across the UK despite the ongoing difficulties the comedy industry is still facing. This year we’re excited to announce new prizes as part of the competition which will give winners and finalists incredible opportunities to master their comedy craft at some of the best venues and festivals in the country. We’re also thrilled to be partnering with some of the best comedy venues from across the country again to host our virtual showcases. We’d like to thank the supportive partnerships that are part of this year’s competition and we look forward to seeing this year’s applicants!”
Last year saw the competition’s regional showcases go online for the first time in its history following a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic. The Grand Final took place in the Wine Bar at Gilded Balloon’s Teviot with host Mark Watson and celebrity guest judge Maisie Adam.
Since its inception in 1988, So You Think You’re Funny? has been one of the influential competitions of its kind for spring-boarding new talent into comedy careers. Many of the finalists have gone on to become household names not only in the UK but around the world. Previous finalists include Aisling Bea, Dylan Moran, Lee Mack, Tommy Tiernan, Romesh Ranganathan, Maisie Adam, Peter Kay, Reginald D Hunter, Russell Howard, Francesca Martinez, John Bishop, Alan Carr, Nina Conti, Rhod Gilbert, Sarah Millican, Hannah Gadsby, Jack Whitehall, and Rob Beckett.
Virtual heats - May-June. Edinburgh heats and Grand Final - August.
Apply here.
www.soyouthinkyourefunny.co.uk
