Open Mic finalists named

The finalists have been announced in the Daily Telegraph Open Mic award.

Rohan Agalawatta, John Bishop, Jarred Christmas, Des Clarke, Richie Devlin, PJ Gallagher, Karl Minns, Patrick Monahan, Al Pitcher and Tom Price will compete for the title at the Edinburgh festival.

The competition is billed as Europe's biggest comedy talent search, and attracted more than 1,000 entries this year.

Around 400 heats are held at university gigs across the country, before 60 semi-finalists are chosen.

The winner recieves a £2,000 prize and spots at the Melbourne and Montreal Just For Laughs comedy festivals.

Francesca Martinez won last year's title, judged by Michael Barrymore, Harry Hill, Telegraph deputy editor Sarah Sands and comedy writer Henry Normal.

This year's event, hosted by John Moloney, takes place at Edinburgh's Pleasance Over The Road on August 21.

Entries are now open for next year's award, open to anyone over 16 who has not been paid for a comedy performance. Email for details.

Published: 11 Jun 2001