One new comic to get a – very brief – slot on the Secret Policeman's Ball

An aspiring British stand-up will win the chance to perform alongside some of comedy’s biggest stars at the Secret Policeman’s Ball in New York next month – but not for long.

In what is billed as the ‘world’s shortest gig’, the successful entrant will be on stage of the Radio City Music Hall for just 15 seconds.

But they will perform, however briefly, in front of more than 5,000 comedy fans on a bill that includes Russell Brand, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.

Applicants – who must have less than five years experience –  need to upload a clip to the event’s Facebook page. It will then be judged by a panel including Caitlin Moran, Peter Serafinowicz, Simon Bird and Andi Osho, before being put out to a public vote.

Serafinowicz said: ‘Being funny, clever and charismatic in just 15 seconds is a massive challenge for any budding comedy performer, but at least it’s not 14 seconds.’

 The competition is open to entries from now until February 20, with the public vote running from February 23 to 27. The winner will be flown to New York to perform at the ball – the first of Amnesty International’s regular fundraisers to be staged outside London – on March 4.

Published: 10 Feb 2012