No Hackney-ed comedy here

New act finalists named

The finalists have been announced in next year’s Hackney Empire new act final.

They include Piff The Magic Dragon (a magician who dresses as a dragon), a comedy rapping duo called Moonfish Rumba and sketch group Lady Garden, which includes Jennifer Saunders and Ade Edmondson’s daughter Beattie.

The final, which tends to have the most eclectic line-up of all the comedy talent hunts, takes place at the East London music hall on January 17.

The rest of this year’s finalists are: Ahir Shah, Colin Owens, Craig Murray, David James, Fergus Craig, Gary Colman, Gráinne Maguire, Jason Patterson, Jim Park, Jon Kudlick, Ross Ashcroft, Ro Campbell and Seann Walsh .

Stars who have come through the competition in its 28-year history include Russell Brand, Catherine Tate, David Baddiel, Matt Lucas, Alan Davies, Ardal O’Hanlon and Ronnie Ancona.

Published: 23 Dec 2008

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