207 vie for Chortle title

A record 207 hopefuls have entered this year’s Chortle Student Comedy Award.

An extra heat has been added – in Cambridge on March 12 – and another may also be scheduled to accommodate as many student comedians as possible.

However, the unprecedented interest means that, for the first time, it may not be possible for every entrant to be placed in a heat.

Chortle editor Steve Bennett said: ‘We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of entries this year. Perhaps its because previous finalists have gone on to such great things – including Inbetweeners star Simon Bird and Tom Deacon, who’s just been signed by Radio One – but the interest has been phenomenal.

‘We’re trying not to disappoint too many applicants, but it does look like we won’t be able to see everyone. I guess we’ll have to schedule even more heats for next year’s event.’

The first heat in the 2010 competition is next Monday (21st) at Goldsmiths College, South London, followed by UCL in Central London and Bristol University.

For the first time, the Chortle Student Comedy Award features two semi-finals – in London and Manchester – ahead of the final at the Edinburgh Fringe in August, where the winner will receive £1,000 and a vital springboard in their comedy career.

Visit the Chortle Student Awards microsite for full details of where and when the heats will be held.

Published: 15 Feb 2010