Update 9/11:  Entry is now open for auditions in the bar next to the Hackney Empire on Jan 7/8, 19/20, 21/22 with up to 16 acts chosen, compered by Otiz Cannelloni. Register at the link below.

Entries are invited for the 2019 New Acts of the Year Competition. This is a big year for the show as it will be returning to its original venue, the Hackney Empire, where it started out over thirty years ago.

The Hackney Empire has asked New Variety Lives, the producers of The NATYS: New Acts of the Year, to return to its historic home and present its annual show on Saturday 2 February 2019.

Founders Claire and Roland Muldoon and Frank Sweeney and the New Variety Lives team said: “It’s been ten years since we last staged the NATYS at the Hackney Empire and we are delighted to be asked back and are so looking forward to returning to the East End’s home of Variety with a new generation of acts.’’

The annual New Acts of the Year, the NATYS (as its affectionately known) auditions over 100 acts from which they select a bill that they believe will enhance the live stages of the country’s comedy-variety circuit, from stand up to speciality, sketch to musical comedy and poetry to magic. Their past successes have contributed enormously to the live world of modern entertainment. Previous winners include Stewart Lee and Ardal O'Hanlon and previous finalists include Daniel Kitson, Micky Flanagan and Russell Brand.

Apply to enter here.