Shortlist announed for the ‘biggest award in comedy’ 2025

The shortlist for the literal ‘biggest award in comedy’ has been announced.

Organised by streaming service NextUp, the title comes with an inflatable trophy that’s more than two metres high.

The nominated acts are: 

• Ada and Bron
• Alana Jackson
• Ayoade Bamgboye
• Ben Pope
• Cat Cohen
• Connor Burns
• Hasan Al Habib
• Helen Bauer
• James Barr
• Jessica Barton
• Joz Norris
• Molly McGuinness
• Nate Kitch
• Rosa Garland
• Sam Nicoresti
• Shalaka Kurup
• Sharon Wanjohi
• Susie McCabe
• Thor Stenhaug
• Toussaint Douglass

The winner is now chosen by public vote here - and announced on August 22.

Sarah Henley, co-founder of NextUp, said: ‘Narrowing down the longlist from hundreds of incredible shows was tough – almost as tough as inflating this beast of a trophy without getting light-headed.

‘ It’s currently in our office, hogging the best chair and blocking all natural light. Here’s hoping the winner has more storage space than we do!’

The winning act also wins £500 plus the option to have their special recorded for the NextUp platform.

Published: 13 Aug 2025