West End New Act Of The Year Results

West End New Act Of The Year Results

Shalaka Kurup has been crowned the winner of the West End New Act of the Year comedy competition. 

The runner up was Blank Peng with Tim Biglowe coming third.
 
The show was MC'd by Steve McLean and headlined by Paul F Taylor. 
 
The finalist were  
 
Archit Goenka 
Blank Peng 
Serena Smart 
Abigail Adams 
Eni Oshowo 
Tim Biglowe 
Luke Nixon 
Shalaka Kurup 
Louie McLean 
Saleha Massud 
Su Mi 
Kate-Lois Elliott
Nick Kirk (As Dave Steed, Fire Inspector) 
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 and consisted of ten heats, two second chance heats, four quarter finals and two sem finals. 
 
All of the acts who reach the final will be offered Edinburgh Fringe stage time and the podium winners receive a cash prize of £150, £75 and £50 for first, second and third. 
 
Pictured: Shalaka Kurup with Blank Peng and Tim Biglowe. Picture by Mark Grey (Studio Grey)
 

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