...and a trophy shaped like a pigeon!

Sam Nicoresti was last night named Leicester Square Theatre's New Comedian of the Year.

A stand-up and film-maker  – whose 2019 Edinburgh show UFO had a short run at Soho Theatre this autumn – Nicoresti took home a £1,000 prize. Randomly, he also won a trophy designed for pigeon racers.

Runner-up Dee Allum, who was last month crowned new act of 2021 by fellow London venue last month, scooped £500.

Dan Tiernan came third and won £250.

More than 300 hopefuls entered the competition, which is now in its 12th year, with 15 making the final

Also on the bill were Chris Nelson, Chelsea Birkby, Tamsyn Kelly, Matty Hutson,  Sergi Polo, Karen Hobbs, Freya Mallard,  Ania Magliano, Michael May, Andrew Nolan, Sachin Kumarendran and Ashish Suri.

Previous winners and finalists include Rob Beckett, Rachel Parris and Sofie Hagen.

Last night’s final was also streamed via NextUp.

Published: 14 Dec 2021