Jongleurs launches yet another contest

Jongleurs has launched another comedy talent hunt ­ just two weeks after its last one.

It has announced details of its nationwide Stand And Deliver competition before the first heat of its Last Laugh Comedy Search has even been held.

Both competitions offer similar prizes - £1,000 plus a contract to perform at the chain's 17 venues, although the Last Laugh contest also offers a trip to perform in New York.

But the talent hunts seem popular with sponsors. Soft drinks firm J2O is backing the Last Laugh, while Stand and Deliver is supported by Metro newspapers and Smirnoff vodka.

Stand and Deliver - which Jongleurs brand manager Jon Fish calls "a unique campaign" ­ was first held last year with Anthony J Brown winning the final at Edinburgh.

This year there will be 15 auditions from May to July, with regional heats in Jongleurs clubs before a final in London October.

The Last Laugh contest follows the same pattern, with its heats starting later this month.

Fish said: "Stand & Deliver was a huge success in 2003 and a vast array of new talent was discovered.

"It is a real honour to be part of such a unique campaign, which gives everyone an opportunity, regardless of their background or history."

Brown said: "It was great to be able to crowbar my way onto the Jongleurs circuit. Winning Stand & Deliver has certainly boosted my profile. It was great to win ­ I was as happy as a pig in someone else's muck."

To enter, send a video of yourself doing a short stand-up routine to Stand & Deliver, 20 Chancellor Street, London, W6 9RN.

For the Last Laugh, visit the official website.

Published: 9 Feb 2004