The finalists have been announced for the 2026 West End New Act of the Year.

The show will take place on Tuesday 5th of May at the Albany in Great Portland Street at 7.30pm. The evening will be headlined by Sarah Mills and hosted by Steve McLean. 

 

Over 250 comedians entered this year and around half of that were offered a space in the heats. 

 

The WENAOTY was set up in 2021 to help new acts get a profile boost after the pandemic. The contest is notable for the signature prize of an Edinburgh Fringe Showcase for the finalists at the PBH Free Fringe venue The Voodoo Rooms . 

 

The decided will be judged by a combination of audience votes and judges. The MC will decide in the unlikely event of a tie-break. 

 

The outright winner will also get £150 and some paid spots at Commoners Comedy in Cambridge, A-Comedy in Essex and Rural Roars in Surrey. The runners up will win £80 and there'll be a £60 spot prize that's decided entirely by the audience. 

 

A new prize for 2026 is somewhat eye catching, The three podium places will be offered a week's worth of Edinburgh Fringe accommodation.   

 

The West End New Act of the Year is the only independent comedy competition in the capitol in that it's not connected to a venue or an organisation. It's entirely funded entirely by audience donations.