Comedian of the Year contenders, punsters and more...

The Leicester Comedy Festival has announced the comedians taking part in its flagship competitions next year.

Competing for the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year are: Daniel Petrie, Freya McGhee, Josephine Lacey, Mary Flanigan, Rahul Somia, Sergi Polo, Shalaka Kurup and Vittorio Angelone.

The conests has been a mainstay of the festival since 1995, with past winners including Johnny Vegas, Jason Manford, Rhod Gilbert and Seann Walsh. Next year’s final, hosted by Sikisa, will take place on  February 25.

Taking part in the tenth UK Pun Championships – a rap-battle-style showdown in  a real boxing ring – are:  Ben Emmett, Cosmic Kat, Daniel Edison, Geoff Alderman, Kat Molinari, Lee Brace, Pauline Eyre and Stevie Vegas Hosted by Jason Byrne,  this will take place on February 13.

The Silver Stand-Up shortlist of comedians over the age of 55 competing for a £500 prize are:  Cecilia Delatori, Ian Crawford (Cutlery Safety Expert), Joe Bains, Kevin Daniel, Kevin Hudson, Matthew Baylis, Sarah Bowles and Walter Jack. The final of this, hosted by Barbara Nice, will take place on February 21

Finally the six comedy acts selected to benefit from the Circuit Breakers programme are: Adam Hopkins, Caryl Burke, Low Effort Sketches (Andy Bucks and Alice Wickersham) Melina Fiol, Roman Harris and Shalaka Kurup.

The scheme, which has been running since 2018, is designed to nurture comedians’ careers, and includes a spot on showcases, hosted by Leroy Brito, will take place on February 17 to 18.

Tickets for all events are available from comedy-festival.co.uk

Published: 13 Dec 2022