With pride month in full swing, The Clapham Grand are hosting the 2025 LGBT+ New Comedian Of The Year grand final! Save the date; the big boots down showdown is kicking off on Tuesday June 10.
The top-dog of competitions for emerging LGBT+ talent in the UK, the multi-round showdown culminates in Clapham for a shimmering grand final. The UK’s premier competition for emerging queer comedy talent culminates in a dazzling grand final at The Clapham Grand. Nine of the LGBTee-hee community’s fastest-ascending startletts will thrash it out (in a civilised manner) for the hallowed accolade of LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025.
Who’ll be performing at the grand final?
Straight* from the organisers, the Grand Final line-up is made up of:
Ciara Barnes: “A worrying level of good” – Shane Daniel Byrne.
Sean Barnham: Goes with the flow because they’re not a good swimmer.
Esther: Gay & tired.
Jack Henry: A triple threat – gay, anxious and exhausted.
Sydney May: Blind queer woman shares unique stories and observations.
Dominic McGovern: Gregarious and flirtatious comedian from London via Australia.
Chloe Reynolds: Universally niche, self-depreciating wry storytelling.
Josh Sedman: “Josh is quick witted, cheeky, charming and comedically brilliant”.
Rhys Thorne: A comic with a walk as limp as his wrist.
(*Ironically)
Who’s hosting and judging the final?
The best of the best, the lineup involves not only the nine best joke-tellers, but also a headline stand-up performance from last year’s winner, Marty Gleeson, and host Matthew Ali. The night promises a full-throated, belly-laugh bonanza with the performers peddling their funniest gags in front of a panel of celebrity judges.
Drag Race UK star Tia Kofi, celebrated comedians Zoe Lyons and Jessica Fostekew, and presenter-comic James Barr are on-hand to judge the show. Audience members will also have the opportunity to cast votes for their favourite sets, frothing up the intensity of the show.
The nine finalists of the competition trod a hard-won path, already succeeding in two previous heats. The first semi-final took place at Covent Garden’s Seven Dials Club on 21 May, and the second semi-final saw talented comedians hash it out at Clapham’s Two Brewers the next day, 22 May.
The LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year competition is five years old this year. Presented by Comedy Bloomers, where queer voices are centred in the name of comedy, it has earned its name as an integral platform for showcasing the UK’s brightest queer comedic talents. It offers emerging performers a national stage to share their unique voices and perspectives, contributing to the richness and diversity of the comedy scene.
The organisers emphasise that, especially now more than ever, the show is about more than just laughs — it’s a vital national platform championing queer, trans and non-binary comedians.
The Clapham Grand
Perfect for hosting a night of queer laughter, the iconic Clapham Junction venue is a stalwart in South London entertainment. In recent years, it has marked itself out as a venue offering top-quality LGBT+ focused, queer (and for allies + friends) entertainment.
With the revival of the ‘Grand, and its impactful legacy in a bag of mixed cultural circles, it’s back to its roots; its original mission: a stunning mix of variety and quality. With themed film screenings or an irreverent take on bingo one night, and world-class comedians, musicians and DJs the next, they’re harking back over the past to bring events into the future for dedicated, discerning audiences. You can peek at what’s on, from wacky bingo to diva-themed club nights here.
Tickets for the competition are available on via OutSavvy here.