So someone thinks they're funny

The aspiring stand-ups who will be competing in the semi-finals of the Channel 4-backed competition So You Think You're Funny have been named.

Acts, who had all been performing for less than a year when the talent hunt started, were chosen from a number of showcases held across the country.

They will now compete in the semi-finals at the Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh during the fringe.

The winner of each heat will compete in the final on August 26, compered by Graham Norton.

The semi-finalists are:

From London showcases:
Matt Blaize
Donna Withers
Colin Hurley
Amanda Baron
Hils Barker
Pete Cain
Amadeus
Ciaran and Tom
Inder Manocha
Eric Page
Stephen Forbes
Jarred Christmas
Laurence Inman
Max Factory
Rebecca Carington
Danny Hurst
Ninia Benjamin
Edd Case
Jonathon Grant
Stefano Paolini
Frankie Johnston
Dan Thomas
Tim Curran
Shazia Mirza
James Harris
Jaik Campbell

From Glasgow:
Miles Jupp
Rev Obadiah Steppenwolfe III
Stephen Barnaby

From Newcastle:
Seymour Mace
Ben Traynor
Bobby Dresser
Matthew Reed

From Dublin
PJ Gallagher
Johnny Massacre
Neil Delamere
Reuben Evans
John Moynes
Seamus Carabine
Michael Downey
Greg Prendergast

From Manchester
Des Sharples
Joanne Dakin
The Amazing Syd Selby and Fanny
Sal
Niall Scott
Alan Carr
Catherine and Lindsey

From Liverpool
Electric Forecast
Kenny Bigley
Martin Cassidy
Penguin
John Bishop

From Bath
Will Hodgson
Steve Williams
Eric Eric

From Birmingham
Dedman and Staynour
Dominic Tighe

From Sheffield
Matt Foster
Tim Ashwell

Published: 14 Jul 2001