We have entry details

The BBC has launched its New Comedy Awards to hunt for new talent.

Stand-ups and sketch writers who have not previously appeared on network television are invited to apply for the competition.

The winners in the stand-up award, chosen over a series of heats, will be taken to the Edinburgh Festival for a final to be broadcast on BBC1. The overall winner will receive £1,500 prize money and an opportunity to work on BBC Choice. Two runners up will each receive £750.

Since winning last year's competition, Alan Carr has been developing material for BBC Choice and is now close to securing a contract.

Alan, now also a regular writer for Lily Savage's Lily Live, said: "Winning the BBC New Comedy Awards has been a fantastic experience for me. Not only has it opened plenty of doors, it has also given me a greater profile on the comedy scene."

And runner-up Justin Moorhouse said: "I would urge anyone to enter because there is nothing more exciting than getting a letter from the BBC on your mat, it just might be that Blue Peter badge you've been waiting for. And you get lots of invaluable exposure."

Entrants must not have worked on the comedy circuit for more than three years, and sketch writers can work solo or part of a group of no more than five.

The entry form is available to download in JPG format here, for you to print out and send in. Or call 020 8576 7003 for a copy.

Hopefuls in the stand-up awards should send a VHS video or standard audio cassette of their routine between five and eight minutes long

From these, the BBC will be holding qualifying heats at various venues around the country during the end of April and early May. The best 64 comics will go forward to eight regional finals, to cut that number in half.

These semi-finalists will be invited to appear in London showcases, filmed for BBC Choice over four nights, before to the Edinburgh final.

Sketch writers' must submit either scripts (three examples, each shorter than two minutes) or VHS video cassettes containing three sketches of no more than two minutes. The winning sketch writer will receive £1,000 prize money.

All entries must be received no later than Friday April 12. Click here for the full list of rules, and for more information, call the BBC Talent team on on 020 8576 7003.

Published: 26 Jan 2002