Entries are invited for the 2020 New Acts of the Year Competition. For the second year running the final will be back at its original venue, the Hackney Empire, where it started out over thirty years ago.

The annual showcase, hosted by Jo Brand, will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2020 following a series of heats.

The 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.

Auditions will be held in the Hackney Empire bar on Tuesdays from January 14 to February 4.

Enquire about entering via PM here.

Watch a trailer below.