Just For Laughs picks UK comics as ones to watch

Montreal festival spotlights Aurie Styla, Chloe Petts, Dan Tiernan and Vittorio Angelone

UK stand-ups Aurie Styla, Chloe Petts, Dan Tiernan and Vittorio Angelone have all been picked for the prestigious New Faces of Comedy showcases at Montreal’s Just For Laughs comedy festival.

The gigs have traditionally only featured comedians based in North America and has helped propel Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Jo Koy, and Kumail Nanjiani to prominence.

Also on the list are Lara Ricote – the Dutch-based Mexican who’s a regular on the UK circuit – Australian sad-sack Dan Rath and London-based American Chloe Radcliffe, who had a breakout Edinburgh Fringe hit with Cheat in 2023.

Nick Brazao, head of programming and talent for the festival, said those selected were ‘the most original and promising comedic voices’, adding: ‘This is always such an exciting time of year and we can’t wait to share this year’s class of New Faces with the world.’

Created in 1983, Just For Laughs is back after all last year’s were events were cancelled when its organisers when bust, with factors including the pandemic and the disastrous attempt to launch a London festival at the O2 Arena blamed for the collapse

New owners ComediHa! cobbled together a vastly reduced programme just weeks after their rescue last year, but this time the festival is back to full force.

The bilingual festival is currently running and culminates in ComedyPRO industry events later this week – including New Faces – that attract executives from New York and Los Angeles and further afield.

The full list of New Faces are:

NEW FACES: STAND-UPS
Alistair Ogden
Anjelica Scannura
Aurie Styla
Bruce Gray
Chloe Petts
Chloe Radcliffe
Conor Janda
Dan Duvall
Dan Rath
Dan Tiernan
Dean Stanfield
Dvontre Coleman
Dylan Adler
Grace Johnson
Hayden Johnson
James Mwaura
Jesus Sepulveda
Jo Sunday
Katherine Blanford
Lara Ricote
Maggie Crane
Maxx Eddy
Olivia Carter
Olivia Stadler
Randee Neumeyer
Sam Biru
Steve Furey
Tom Murphy
Vittorio Angelone
Willie Simon