Entries now open

Entries have opened for this year’s BBC New Comedy Award, which will again be running on Radio 4.

The winner will take home £1,000 and a 15-minute script commission from BBC Studios, while all finalists will be mentored by the comedy team at the corporation’s production arm across the year.

Entrants need to submit a five-minute comedy routine and complete the application form before the closing date of Thursday May 3.

The best 50 entries will be selected for regional heats, taking place across June and July in London, Manchester and Cardiff, and broadcast on Radio 4 Extra.

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

Heidi Regan, winner of last year’s award, said: ‘I'm still coming to terms with how helpful winning the award has been for me. It opened up doors in so many areas and gave me more confidence in my comedy. It was a really fun competition and a wonderful experience all round.’

Apply at bbc.co.uk/newcomedyaward

Published: 9 Apr 2018