Comedy contest – all about poo

It is the sort of challenge that would test even the most experienced comedian: to write a three to five-minute stand-up routine… all about washing your hands after going to the toilet.

Yet that is the tough brief for a new comedy competition aimed at rookie 15- to 19-year-olds.

And the prize, aside from £500, is a title aspiring stand-ups might not exactly want to boast on their CV: The Golden Poo Award.

The contest has been devised by creative agency called Poop to draw attention to the health messages of Global Handwashing Day on October 15.

The organisers say: ‘Comedy is a powerful way to deliver messages which initiate behaviour change and this competition will encourage a free and intelligent exploration of a subject that is very present and essential to life.’

Entrants must upload a clip of their ‘funny on-message’ stand-up – however amateurly shot – on to YouTube by August 12; after which the best ten will be selected to receive some professional coaching before appearing at a live final in London in October.

Entrants are encouraged to be in any style, including ’disgusting, hard-hitting, edgy’ - but the rules say submitted material must not be ‘obscene, unlawful or objectionable’.

Runner-up receives £250. Click here for full details and the entry form

Published: 18 Apr 2011