Channel 4, S4C & Little Wander are excited to announce the third iteration of Comedy Lab Cymru, a development programme for Welsh (and Wales-based) comedy talent.
Applications are now open, with a 12 January deadline.
The programme aims to create new opportunities for emerging Welsh (and Wales-based) talent in comedy and TV, providing artists with paid development time, professional mentorship, industry masterclasses and opportunities to broaden their knowledge and experience of the comedy industry.
The selected writers and performers will be paired with mentors to work on comedy pieces to be showcased to audiences and S4C and Channel 4 commissioners at the Machynlleth and Aberystwyth Comedy Festivals in 2026.
Six participants will be selected for the programme, with at least half of participants working in the Welsh language. We expect the selected participants to be at various stages in their careers and we are committed to tailoring the programme to suit their individual needs.
2025 participants included Mel Owen (mentored by Anna Jordan), Cerys Bradley (mentored by Molly Naylor), Harri Dobbs (mentored by Freya Parker), Fflur Pierce (mentored by Carys Eleri), Carwyn Blayney (mentored by Tom Parry) and Gruffudd Owen (mentored by Dan Thomas).
Throughout the year, they worked on sitcom scripts, stand-up sets, an interactive choose-your-own-adventure show and a sketch show. Last year we had participants working on a musical comedy and a multimedia show - we can’t wait to see what next year has in store.
Both the 2024 and 2025 participants have said that the programme has helped them with their writing and performance skills, as well as networking and industry experience. They have come out of the programme with pitch-ready sitcom pilot scripts, hour-long stand-up shows, radio writing credits, increased industry recognition, and much more.
Welsh Language
At least half of participants will be working predominantly in Welsh. Participants will be able to prepare material in both languages to present to both broadcasters but must choose a primary language and broadcaster when making their application. Support is available to new Welsh speakers, learners, and those with little previous experience of performing in Welsh.
Click here for Welsh language application details.
The Application Process
The application form can be found here: littlewander.co.uk/comedy-lab-cymru
Applications can be from individuals, duos or groups (applications from companies will not be considered).
Artists have to be Welsh or based in Wales. Welsh artists who are not based in Wales have to be UK-based.
All applicants have to be 18 or older.
For artists working predominantly in English (Channel 4) - we will only accept applications from artists who have no previous commissions from a major broadcaster.
For artists working predominantly in Welsh (S4C) - we will accept applications from emerging artists as well as those who have had a previous commission with S4C.
Applicants will be asked to include examples of past work.
We actively encourage applications from candidates from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the comedy industry and in the arts.
Key Dates
10 December 2025 - Applications open
12 January 2026 - Application deadline
February 2026 - Programme begins
1-3 May 2026 - Machynlleth Comedy Festival
2-4 October 2026 - Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
