Competition for 'unknown' but TV-ready comedians

Entries have opened for this year’s Amused Moose Comedy Awards.

The award is open to shows heading to the Edinburgh Fringe and is aimed at comedians ‘who consider themselves to be relatively unknown, but that they and what they are doing is broadcast-ready’. However, they must not have an agent or manager.

There is no guaranteed cash prize, but entries are viewed by industry insiders, and there is usually a showcase gig at London’s Soho Theatre in the autumn, with proceeds going to the performer.

Previous winners include Tony Law, Marcel Lucont, Janine Harouni, Jazz Emu and Richard Gadd.

Entrants must upload a recording of their full show before August 13, although the filming does not need to be to professional standard. It will then be watched by industry judges.

Amused Moose founder Hils Jago said: 'Our ethos is to ensure that every Fringe performer (who meets entry criteri) who wishes their comedy show to be included, can be sure that it will be seen by talent scouts.

'While cash prizes can be nice, convention has it that the winning shows are presented with their trophies by the Fringe CEO (therefore gaining media exposure), and perform (and sometimes a nominated show too) in London at Soho Theatre. 

'Not only is performing in a respected comedy venue in central London a brilliant opportunity for comedy performers to be seen by more keen industry people and comedy-goers, helping the move up the comedy ladder, but the money from those shows is theirs.  We think those are all actually far better prizes.'

Full details of how to enter are here.

Published: 3 Jul 2023