Following in the footsteps of some fine comedy talent

Joshua Bethania has won this year’s’s So You Think You’re Funny? comedy competition at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Collecting his award, he said: ‘The answer is yes, I do think I’m funny!' before adding: 'It’s an incredible line-up, I don’t know why I’m here.'

Mark Black came second and third was  shared by Jack Skipper and Pravanya Pillay 

 The other finalists were  Ben Pollard, Daniel Petrie, Justina Seselskaite, Prakash Jirjadhun  and Rohan Sharma.

Katy Koren, artistic director  of the Gilded Balloon, said: "'e’re thrilled for Joshua Bethania and we really put our blood, sweat and tears into this competition so announcing the winner is a really special moment for us. Seeing all the new comedians coming through is the best part of my job.'

This is the 35th year of the competition, whose previous winners have included Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Dylan Moran, Phil Kay, Tommy Tiernan, Maisie Adam and Aisling Bea. It comes with a cash prize – although producers have declined to say how much – as well as a package of paid gigs across the UK and other benefits to help launch a career.

Gilded Balloon artistic director Karen Koren said: ‘We’re thrilled that in its 35th year this competition still means so much in the industry and we love supporting and investing talent of the future.’

Zoe Lyons hosted the final, and Micky Flanagan was a guest judge. Tickets are available here.

The competition is open only to the newest acts, and is only open to entrants who have performed fewer than 15 stand-up spots before June 2021.

Published: 25 Aug 2022