Comedy Bloomers’ LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 Grand Final hits the Clapham Grand on 10 June, judged by James Barr, Tia Kofi, Zoe Lyons (pictured), and Jessica Fostekew
The UK’s biggest and most exciting comedy competition dedicated to emerging LGBTQ+ stand-up comedy talent is back. After six live heats across the country and two semi-finals in London, the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 competition will culminate in a glittering grand final on Tuesday 10 June at the Clapham Grand, spotlighting the very best rising stars in queer comedy.
Hosted by the brilliantly sharp-witted Matthew Ali, the final will see seven finalists take to the stage to battle it out for the highly coveted title, judged by a panel of industry favourites: presenter-comic James Barr, Drag Race UK’s Tia Kofi and award-winning comedians Zoe Lyons and Jessica Fostekew.
Now in its fourth year, the competition has become a vital launchpad for new LGBTQ+ voices on the comedy circuit, offering a national platform for performers whose perspectives are still underrepresented in mainstream comedy.
And the finalists - in their own words – are:
SEAN BARNHAM - Goes with the flow because they're not a good swimmer
SYDNEY MAY - Blind queer woman shares unique stories and observations
RHYS THORNE - A comic with a walk as limp as his wrist
JACK HENRY - A triple threat - gay, anxious and exhausted
CIARA BARNES - “A worrying level of good” Shane Daniel Byrne
DOMINIC MCGOVERN - Gregarious and flirtatious comedian from London via Australia
CHLOE REYNOLDS - Universally niche, self depreciating wry storytelling
ESTHER - gay & tired
JOSH SEDMAN - “Josh is quick witted, cheeky, charming and comedically brilliant”
Judge Zoe Lyons said: “I am delighted to be once again part of the judging panel for the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year. It has been a joy to see so much brilliant new talent come through this competition. I can't wait to see what this year has to offer.”
This year’s final will be available to audiences in the UK via OUTFLIX, and internationally on OutTV across the US and Canada from 24 July.
For tickets, visit: https://www.outsavvy.com/organiser/lgbtq-events
