Heats for the 2022 talent hunt kick off

The BBC’s New Comedy Awards starts tonight, kicking off the annual hunt for the best new stand-up talent with its first heat at The Albany in Deptford, South London.

Established in 1995, the contest has helped launch the careers of comedians including Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Nina Conti, Russell Howard, Sindhu Vee, Alan Carr, Sarah Millican, Romesh Ranganathan, Josie Long and Joe Lycett.

Five competitors will take place in each heat, with tonight’s hosted by Thanyia Moore, and featuring judges Kerry Godliman, Babatunde Aleshe and Fern Brady – who as head judge will be at all the heats.

The final will be at St David’s Hall in Cardiff on November 1 and be broadcast on BBC One.

Free tickets are available for the heats:

September 8: The Albany Deptford  Tickets

September 12: Corn Exchange Exeter. MC Jayde Adams and judges Laura Smith, Leroy Brito. Sold out

 September 29: Derry/Londonderry Guildall.  MC Catherine Bohart, with judges Shane Todd and  Alison Spittle.  Tickets

October 4: Middlesbrough Town Hall. MC Lauren Pattison, with judges Jonny Pelham and Ria Lina  Tickets

October 6: Coventry Fargo. MC Josh Pugh, with judges Kai Samra and Darren Harriot Sold out

November 1: Final at St David’s Hall. MC TBC with judges  Rosie Jones and Munya Chawawa. Tickets

Published: 8 Sep 2022