As BBC New Comedy Award launches for 2017

Radio 4 has announced a new series from BBC New Comedy Award-winner Lost Voice Guy – as this year’s competition opens for entries.

Lost Voice Guy, whose real name is Lee Ridley, has been commissioned to make a full series of Ability, following a pilot which aired earlier this year.

The sitcom, which is expected to air next year, is based on his real-life experience of living with cerebral palsy and speaking via a communication aid.

Ridley said winning the BBC New Comedy Award in 2014 ‘was a life changing moment for me, it was when I finally realised I might just be funny after all’.

He added: ‘Obviously, it was also the beginning of my radio comedy career, and I’m delighted that Ability has been commissioned for a whole series. I had so much fun working on the pilot episode with lots of talented people, so I can’t wait to start work on the rest.’

Other previous winners and finalists include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Josie Long, and Nina Conti.

And today applications open for the 2017 competition, which comes with a £1,000 cash prize and  a 15-minute script commission for the winner. 

All finalists will be mentored by the BBC Studios comedy team across the year and receive advice, guidance and the chance to write for and appear in slots across the BBC.

 Sioned Wiliam, the commissioning editor for comedy on Radio 4 said: ‘The New Comedy Award has an extraordinary record of choosing the stars of the future. I’m really looking forward to Hearing Voices from all over Britain competing for this highly prized award.’

Entrants need to submit a five minute comedy routine and complete the application form at www.bbc.co.uk/newcomedyaward before the closing date of Thursday May 4.

The best 60 entries will be selected for six regional heats, taking place across June and July in London, Manchester and Cardiff, and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Mark Watson will host the semi-finals and final at Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year, with the final broadcast live on Radio 4 on Sunday August 13.

Full terms and conditions are here.

Published: 6 Apr 2017