Gilded Balloon’s So You Think You’re Funny? has today announced 10 finalists, instead of its usual 9. After months of regional showcases and competitions heats at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a panel of judges conferred to decide on a 10-strong finalist line-up, for the first time in years.
A hugely positive sign for the UK’s comedy industry, So You Think You’re Funny? judges decided to put 10 newcomers through to the Grand Final, which takes place at Gilded Balloon on Thursday 24th August and will be hosted by Maisie Adam, marking her only live appearance at this year’s festival. A limited number of tickets remain via tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk.
2023’s So You Think You’re Funny? Finalists (in alphabetical order) are:
Alex Lennox
Archit Goenka
Carwyn Blayney
Chantel Nash
Christopher Donovan
Cormac Sinnott
Lauren Carroll
Lizzie Norm
Samira Banks
Sophie Gerrad
Katy and Karen Koren, Directors of Gilded Balloon and So You Think You’re Funny? said, “It’s overwhelmingly positive news for the UK’s comedy industry that So You Think You’re Funny? was such a strong competition this year. So strong in fact, that for only the 2nd time in our history, the judging panel decided to put 10 finalists through instead of our usual maximum of 9.
“From regional showcases and competition heats this month, our panel whittled over 400 applicants down to this final 10 - and we think there are some real gems included in this year’s line-up. In the competition’s 36th year, it’s really incredible to still have such a huge number of applicants and especially ones of such a high pedigree. We can’t wait to see who takes the crown and follow the careers of some of these hugely talented new comics.”
Judges who chose this year’s finalists included: Fred MacAulay, Rufus Hound, Kate Copstick, Katy and Karen Koren and more.
Since it began in 1988, So You Think You’re Funny? has kick-started the careers of dozens of the country’s top comics including Dylan Moran, Peter Kay, Maisie Adam, Lee Mack, Tommy Tiernan and many more so this year’s Grand Final is the chance to see some of comedy’s next big stars at the beginning of their career.
Dedicated to providing a stage for emerging talent, the competition is only open to new acts who have performed less than 15 spots and are currently unsigned. This year’s finalists performed at regional showcases across the UK, before performing in front of a panel of judges and audiences at Competition Heats throughout August at Gilded Balloon. The finalists now have one last chance to impress the judges with a 7 minute slot at the Grand Final next week.
Following months of regional showcases across the UK, the finalists battle it out to take the crown in the So You Think You’re Funny - Grand Final. Held in Gilded Balloon’s Debating Hall, this must-see contest showcases the funniest individuals from over 400 nationwide applicants. On its 36th anniversary, the finale is a hugely popular night with two-and-a-half hours of top comedy and the chance to see the brightest rising stars before they make it big! The pedigree of the competition is reflected in its list of previous winners including Aisling Bea, Lee Mack, Maisie Adam, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe and more. Additionally, some of the UK’s most established and successful comedians and TV performers competed in So You Think You’re Funny? across the years - from Jason Byrne to Alan Carr, Rhod Gilbert to Russell Howard.
So You Think You’re Funny? is the longest running and most established comedy competition of its kind, solely funded by Gilded Balloon without external sponsors. Each year, the winner of the competition will receive…
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A cash prize.
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A fully paid for solo show (or mixed bill) run as part of the Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme.
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A paid performance slot in the Comedy Arena and weekend pass at Latitude Festival in the year following the competition thanks to Festival Republic.
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A paid Friday spot at Glee Birmingham plus accommodation.
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A full weekend of paid spots at the Boat Show in London.
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Two 7 minute spots at Just For Laughs London.
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A fully paid for recording and edit of your debut solo show available on the Next Up platform.
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Complimentary headshot photoshoot by professional photographer to the stars, Steve Ullathorne.
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Complimentary filmed copy and professional photographs of their spot from the Final to use in their show-reel.
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Mentorship and support from Karen and Katy Koren and the So You Think You’re Funny? Team.
For a taste of the country’s most exciting new comics, audiences can also see the top three acts from 2022’s competition at Best of So You Think You’re Funny? as Joshua Bethania, Pravanya Pillay and Jack Skipper perform in a line-up show. After making audiences chuckle throughout regional heats and showcases, Joshua Bethania claimed the crown and was named champion of the 2022 competition.
Best of So You Think You’re Funny
Venue: Gilded Balloon, Wine Bar
Date & Time: 2 - 28 August, 22:15
Duration: 60 minutes
Full price: £12.50
Concession: £11.50
So You Think You’re Funny Grand Final
Venue: Gilded Balloon, Debating Hall
Date & Time: 24 August, 19:30
Duration: 150 minutes
Full price: £15
Concession: £14.50
