Magners launches a new comedy competition

Cider brand Magners is inviting people who have ‘quick witted craic in the pub’ to enter a competition to win a fully-funded month-long Edinburgh Fringe run.

While many comedians intending to perform at the festival will already have everything in place,  the booze firm is opening a competition for unsigned comedy hopefuls who had no previous plans to attend.

The winner will get a month’s funded run at Underbelly, including ‘reasonable return travel and accommodation’, to perform a 45-60 minute show every day.

Fronting the campaign is Irish comedian Emma Doran, who said: ‘Starting out in stand-up is humbling, character building, mildly traumatising, but also fun, rewarding and confidence boosting, especially when your mates are in the audience.

‘I can’t wait to see who’s actually got a dusting of comedic magic, and who’s been absolutely carried here by a gang of aggressively supportive mates.’

The Magners Share The Craic comedy search will  run a series of regional heats at Bear Tavern in Birmingham on June 4; The Gaffe Comedy Club in Bristol on June 8; The Frog & Bucket in Manchester  on June 10;  The Stand in Glasgow on  June 11 and Up The Creek in London on June 16.

It is believed to be the first time The Stand has hosted a stand-up competition, as it has previously believed comedy should be an art not competitive. 

The final will take place at Underbelly Boulevard Soho, London on June 30, giving the winner a month to polish up a full-length show. Applicants must be over 25 because it is sponsored by an alcohol brand. 

Phoebe Small at Magners said: ‘Before comedy comes craic, those jokes and banter shared between friends, it’s a bit loose, and full of personality. But taking that warm humour onto a stage, well, that’s a big deal! That’s a big step. 

‘With Magners Share The Craic, we’re looking for people who can turn great craic over a pint into something that lights up a whole room.

‘We’re excited to see what our competition uncovers and help to give emerging comedians the platform, confidence and support to take that leap from the pub to the spotlight.’

Enter at https://magners.com/uk/share-the-craic/ before May 29.

• Click here to make Chortle a 'preferred source' on Google, which means results from this site will appear higher in your search results.

Published: 23 Apr 2026