Entries open today

Brighton comedy promoters Otherplace have launched a new act competition for up-and-coming acts in South East England.

The winner of the Brighton Grin New Comedy Award  will offer a £500 cash prize and a slot at The Late Show professional line-up gigs at next year’s Brighton Fringe.

Acts will be judged by comics Zoe Lyons, David James, Maisie Adam and Esther Manito  as well as industry judges.

Otherplace runs The Warren and The Electric Arcade venues and last year won the Chortle Legends of Lockdown Award for organising a Covid-safe outdoor festival.

Artistic director Nicola Haydn said: ‘Over the last 16 years, we’ve had countless up-and-coming comics come through our doors, with many going on to become panel show regulars, launch sell-out tours and become household names

‘We thought a new act competition would be a good way to encourage and discover some more future stars. We’re thrilled that some of our top-tier comedians we met along the way will be joining us to judge various heats, as well as the final.’

Entrants for the competition, which is sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, must live in London, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex, be unsigned and performing for four years or less.

To enter, submit a strict three-minute video or audio showcase of stand-up, sketch, or musical comedy to festival@otherplacebrighton.co.uk via WeTransfer.

Applications open today and close on September  23. Selected contestants will then be invited to one of four heats, which will be held at The Electric Arcade on October  6, 13, 20 and 21 with the  final on October 27.

Published: 13 Sep 2021