BBC names new comedy contenders

The 30 semi-finalists in the BBC3 New Comedy Awards for up-and-coming stand-ups have been announced.

They will all vie for places in the final at the Edinburgh fringe by competing in six London showcases, starting next Monday.

The shows, hosted by Jo Brand (pictured), will be broadcast on BBC3 in September, along with sketches shortlisted in a separate competition for new talent.

The eventual winner will receive £2,000, with the two runners up each receiving £1000.

In addition to the judges' decision, this year BBC3 viewers will be able to text votes for their favourite act when the shows air. The viewers' choice will receive £1,000.

The semi-finalists are:

Monday June 30

Show 1: Glen Richardson, Rhod Gilbert, Rick Kiesewetter, Stephen Barnaby, Steve N Allen

Show 2: Nicholas Marshall, Lloydy the Illegal Street Trader, Matt Kirshen, Karen Bayley, Neil Delamere

Tuesday July 1

Show 3: Liam Mullone, Bernard O'Shea, Ava Vidal, Teddy, Seymour Mace

Show 4: Andrew Stanley, Tom Wrigglesworth, Quincy, Greg Cook, Simon Feilder

Wednesday July 2

Show 5: Michael Fabbri, Amadeus, Michael Anderson, Reuben, Steve Shanyaski

Show 6: Alex Musson, Steve Hall, Ria Lina, Primo Salicini, Dalton Trumbo's Reluctant Cabaret

Judges for the semi-finals will be BBC comedy chief Jon Plowma, agent Vivienne Clore and Anil Gupta, executive producer of The Office.

They take place in Madame Jo Jo's, but tickets have already all sold out.

Published: 21 Jun 2003