The finalists have been confirmed for the West End New Act of the Year. The final will take place on Wednesday, March 1st at the Albany. The show will be headlined by Paul F Taylor (pictured) and MC'd by Steve McLean.
The finalists are
Archit Goenka
Blank Peng
Serena Smart
Abigail Adams
Eni Oshowo
Tim Biglowe
Luke Nixon
Shalaka Karrup
Louie McLean
Saleha Massud
Su Mi
Kate Lois Elliot
Nick Kirk
Dave Wilder
Dora Flowers
The competition was set up in 2021 to help boost the profiles of new acts who had found their career development hampered by the pandemic. It also offers a One To Watch award for acts who took part in the competition but didn't make the finals. The Ones To Watch nominated this year are;
Laura Walsh,
Verity Sharpe,
Tom Ratcliffe,
Mac Larry,
Ally O'Leary
Vicky Richards.
Over 200 acts applied to take part in with around 140 securing spots. Steve McLean commented 'I've been at every round this year and the standard has been amazingly high. Pretty much every act from the Quarter Finals was in with a shout of making the final, that's how good it was'
The winner on the night will be chosen by three judges with the runner up spot being decided by an audience vote. First place will bag £150 with smaller cash prizes going to the second and third places. All of the finalists will be offered stage time at the West End New Act of the Year Showcase at Edinburgh Fringe which will be held in the Voodoo Rooms, thanks to the PBH Free Fringe.
