‘I'm honestly stunned to win'

Mark Flynn has won this year’s new act competition at the Bath Comedy Festival.

The sardonic London-based comic, who started stand-up at the age of 50, three years ago, said: ‘I'm honestly stunned to win against such talented opposition, people I look up to, it's been a fantastic event at a brilliant venue.’

Second place awarded to Sam Picone, while Chris Yates was placed third, while Kev Mud and Emma Coyne earned honourable mentions.

The other finalists at Bath’s Forum Theatre were Tim Biglowe, Dane Buckley, José Fortuna, Sharon Jackson, Mara Mainka, Anita Surat and  Josh Watmore.

Flynn receives £250 and a number of paid gigs throughout the year. 

Nick Steel, Bath Comedy Festival director said, ‘The standard in the 12 Bath new act heats this year was very high, which made tonight’s grand final very strongly contended and created a challenge for the judges, but the top three tonight were all outstanding. We have definitely witnessed some future stars in the making this evening."’

Almost 200 acts applied to take part in this year’s competition, with 120 given the chance to perform in one of twelve heats.

Previous Bath new act finalists include Joe Lycett, Rob Beckett, Matt Richardson and Larry Dean.

Published: 15 Apr 2023