LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2026 - SEMI FINALS 1 - 21 Soho

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The LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year Competition is back for 2026 featuring some of the most exciting emerging talent on the LGBTQ+ comedy scene! Join us to watch & vote for your favourites and help us find who will be the new LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year! We are down to the semi finals, guided by our lovely MC Rhys Thorne, and with your your headliner Kate Sharp (LGBTQ New Comedian Finalist 2024), this will be a perfect night of queer comedy! MC | Rhys Thorne - “Rhys Thorne blends observational humour with his life as a gay, disabled man to entertain audiences. Walks as limp as his wrist. Headliner | Kate Sharp - “Knows how to swing their carabiner!" COMPETITORS Jen TR - Awkward moments. Expertly delivered. Craig Donaghy - Birmingham-born, Brighton-based deadpan, but kind, queer comic Celine Kuklowsky - " A favorite among comedy enthusiasts and critics alike " LA Times Adam Fenton - Tourettic queer comedy in a gangly northern package. Donna Williams - “ Powerhouse confidence and a compelling no-nonsense air. ” Chortle Michael Wilkmann - Finding the funny in life's beautiful disasters Jenny Jones - “ A delightful off-kilter feel” Beyond the Joke Louis Beer - Silly, surreal observational comedy. " So f*cking funny " Demi Adejuyigbe Becky Cheatle - “ Trying to shake things up in Irish comedy, and succeeding ” Michael McPheat - “ High-energy buffoonery… exudes warmth .” Attitude Sam Hickman - " Clearly Destined For Big Things, Hickman is equipped with a voice filled with operatic Drama " Chortle Sean Phelan - Autistic Gay and Chaotic entity Now entering its fifth year, the competition has become one of the UK's leading platforms for emerging LGBTQ+ stand-up comedians. Previous finalists and winners have gone on to secure comedy agents, perform at major comedy clubs and festivals, appear on television and radio, and build their significant online audiences. This year's competition will once again bring together some of the most exciting new voices in LGBTQ+ comedy from across the UK, with performers competing through heats and semi-finals for a place in the Grand Final at the legendary Comedy Store in London. Who will walk away with £1,000 cash prize and the title? Join us and find out for yourselves! Please note doors open at 8pm Showtime start is 8.30pm, Tickets available at the door Ticket link