Only J2oking

Juice firm backs hunt for new comics

Jongleurs comedy clubs and soft drink maker J20 have launched a new hunt for the comedy stars of tomorrow.

The winner of the Last Laugh Comedy Search will receive £1,000, a contact to perform at Jongleurs nights around the country - plus a trip to New York to perform at a club there.

Anyone is invited to turn up to one of the 30 heats, starting on February 26, or you can pre-register on the official website once it goes live.

There will then be six regional finals, with the final at the West End's Criterion Theatre, where Jasper Carrott, Rhona Cameron and Dave Spikey officially launched the competition this morning. The final will be on April 18.

Jongleurs managing director Lawrence Miller said: "We want to seek out new comedy heroes of the future. We'll take the winner from small comedy clubs in the back rooms of pubs to Jongleurs then onto New York.

"We're not just looking for stand-up, but any kind of comedy - ventriloquism, comedy songs, even comedy acrobatics."

The only criteria for entrants is that they are over 18, and have never had paid work in a Jongleurs club before.

The heats will be held as follows:

Thursday February 26
Cardiff Engine Rooms

Sunday February 29
Exeter Havana

Tuesday March 2
Glasgow The Vault
York City Screen

Wednesday March 3
Battersea Bar Risa
Edinburgh Nicole Edwards pub
Newcastle Cornerhouse Hotel

Thursday March 4
Aberdeen Wild Boar
Crewe The Music Cafe

Friday March 5
Manchester Buzz Club

Sunday March 7
Watford Flag and Firkin

Monday March 8
Manchester XS Malarkey

Tuesday March 9
Northampton Picture Drome