Louise Atkinson wins at Leicester Comedy Festival | Hull stand-up scoops Comedian of the Year title

Louise Atkinson wins at Leicester Comedy Festival

Hull stand-up scoops Comedian of the Year title

Louise Atkinson has won Leicester Comedy Festival’s Comedian of the Year 2025 award.

The comic, originally from Hull but now based in London, already has two Edinburgh hows under her belt, and has supported the likes of Sarah Keyworth on tour.

She said: 'Leicester means a lot to me, as I went to university here it’s a nice full-circle moment. 

‘What they have done with the festival over the years is amazing. I’m still processing the win, and a plaque [recording the win] sounds very formal, so maybe they should just write my name in pencil so they can ​rub it out at some point! 

‘I’m going to process my win in a bit, after a muffin. What’s next for me is a roast dinner tomorrow and the rugby. Comedy-wise—who knows!’

Andy Fox was named runner-up, while last night’s  final at The Y Theatre – hosted by Thanyia Moore – also featured  Ant Dewson, Archit Goenka, Hannah Lawrence, June Tuesday and Lucas Jefcoate.

The competing comedians were nominated for the final by promoters across the country.

Previous winners have included  Romesh Ranganathan, Josh Widdicombe, Jason Manford, Seann Walsh, Nina Gilligan, Rhod Gilbert and Johnny Vegas.

Charlotte Laidet, programme director at Big Difference, the charity behind the festival,  said: ‘After more than 30 years, the Leicester Comedian of the Year competition once again showcased an incredible wave of new comedic talent. 

‘Supporting emerging performers is a key priority for our festival, and we take great pride in this initiative. A huge congratulations to Louise Atkinson for winning this year’s title, and well done to everyone who participated—I have no doubt we’ll be seeing much more of them on the circuit for years to come.’

» Previous winners and finalists

• Garry Starr, Kate Smurthwaite and Accordion Ryan were among the winners at the Perth World awards in Australia last weekend. Starr won the overall comedy award for his show Classic Penguins; Smurthwaite won in the children’s category for her show Evolution Revolution and former Britain’s Got Talent act Accordion Ryan scooped the cabaret and variety award.

Published: 23 Feb 2025

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