Channel 4 accolade for alternative comedy voices

Harriet Dyer has won the second Sean Lock Comedy Award, handed out by Channel 4.

The Cornish comedian and mental health advocate wins a cash prize, as well as mentoring and support from the channel, including jobs writing on some of their comedy and entertainment shows.

She interrupted a holiday in Italy to perform at the showcase gig in Leeds last night, hosted by Joe Wilkinson, where she was named the winner.

Dyer said: 'When I was young, I was always sad because nothing really happened to me but now, I'm older, I've got so much stuff to mention in my comedy. So, comedy has changed my life really... because I'm unemployable everywhere else! It's the only thing I haven't been banished from yet. It's great that I can be myself and fit in somewhere.'

Charlie Perkins, head of comedy at Channel 4, added: 'Harriet’s mind is amazing. What a kick to see 300 people united in laughter about a hedgehog that comes through your letterbox to let you know the internet guy is at the front door.

'Such a singular voice, and so reminiscent of Sean’s ability to make the surreal universal. Congratulations to Harriet and well done to all of our finalists- the standard was incredible. The future is very very bright for all of them.'

Before the show, Perkins said the panel had also considered the finalists’ previous writing, and not just the  night’s performance.

She said the broadcaster was looking for someone who embodied Lock’s ‘Swiss Army knife, polymath’ approach to comedy as well as his alternative spirit.

Lock's former agent, Damon Pettitt from Off The Kerb, said: 'Good luck to the worthy winner.  It was an incredibly high standard on the night; the future of comedy looks in great shape. Thanks again to Channel 4 for this incredibly generous bursary.'

It is the second year the competition has been run. Eric Rushton won last year and said at the time: ‘Watching Sean Lock was a huge part of my childhood, I’m such a huge fan and I can’t think of a better person to be associated with.’

Also performing ast night were Elaine Robertson, Jin Hao Li, Leah Davis, Marjolein Robertson, Marty Gleeson, Millie Malone, Pravanya Pillay, Ricky Balshaw and Shalaka Kurup - all of whom had been nominated by comedy producers and promoters across the UK. Read mini-profiles of them all here.

Those nominating the finalists were Binty Blair from Hot Water Comedy Club, Liverpool; David Bleese, Monkey Barrel Comedy, Edinburgh; stand-up Dian Cathal; Jade Henry from Empire Laughs Back, Belfast; Adam Jaremko from Glee clubs; Eva Mackay and Mike Jones from The Stand; Ryan Taylor from The Pleasance; Henry Widdicombe from Little Wander, Wales; Lateef Ogunjobi from All Jokes Aside, London and Jessica Toomey from the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club in Manchester.

Published: 23 Oct 2024