Marty Gleeson wins LGBTQ+ comedy competition

'I’ll remember it forever'

Marty Gleeson has been crowned winner of the Comedy Bloomers LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year.

The Irish comedian was formerly a finalist for the West End New Act of the Year and will be part of the Pleasance Reserve at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

She said: ‘What an absolutely brilliant show to be a part of. Everyone was so class! I cannot believe I won and am so grateful to have performed on such a grand stage in front of and with people I really respect and admire. An absolute belter of a show, I’ll remember it forever.’

Chinese stand-up Maple Zuo and Sallyann Fellowes – who won the Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year title in 2023 – were named runners-up.

The final took place at the Clapham Grand in London on Tuesday and was judged by comics Zoe Lyons, Jen Brister, Daniel Foxx and Jonny Woo.

Also competing were James Danielewski, JR, Fab Goualin, Caitlin Powell, Kate Sharp and Ciara O’Connor.

The competition, run by the Comedy Bloomers LGBTQ+ comedy night, is now in its third year, having previously been won by Charlie George and Victoria Olsina.

• Comedian Luc Valvona has won the Chichester Fringe New Act of the Year competition performing as his alter ego, Baron Fortitude: Victorian Rapper

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Published: 13 Jun 2024