John Pape has won the inaugural West End Old New Act of the Year. Pape has been gigging for less than a year but was the judges clear favourite.
The runner up places were bagged by Matthew Ali and Chris Ali respectively, who are twins. We think this may be the first instance of twins being in a comedy final together and almost certainly the first time they've shared a podium.
The contest was judged by promoters Ali Warwood and Matt Arnold with an audience vote counting to third place.
A small cash prize was on offer for the three winners as well as some comedy development courses from the We Are Funny Project and a spot on a pro-bill at Dulwich Hamlet Comedy. All of the finalists will be offered stage time on the Edinburgh Fringe showcase show.
The other finalists were Matt Lowes, Paul Little, Leslie Gold, Seam Anderson, CK Nath, Barry Mathews, Mark Vincent, Rabia Coon, Alex Lawrence. Claire Carty, Matt Lowes and Barbara Fernandez
The contest has been set up to help break the age glass ceiling that exists in the industry. All contestants are over 35 but have been performing less than 4 years.
The evening was headlined by Neil McFarlane and Steve McLean MC'd the whole night.
