...and the up-and-coming Circuit Breakers its showcasing

The Leicester Comedy Festival has announced finalists for three of their flagship competitions for 2024, as well as the ‘Circuit Breaker’ comics being given a leg-up in the industry.

The next Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year will be its 30th with its eight finalists – as always – nominated by industry professionals.

They are: Alasdair Wallace, Alex Bertulis-Fernandes, Blank Peng, Eva Bindeman, Fiona Ridgewell, Henry Michael, Julia Stenton, Romina Puma

The final will take place at The Y Theatre on February 24, hosted by Sindhu Vee. Past winners have included Josh Widdicombe, Johnny Vegas and Romesh Ranganathan.

 Meanwhile on February 12, Jason Byrne will host the next edition of the UK Pun Championships at De Montfort Hall.

Battling it out this year are: Adam Dorr, Bennet Kavanagh, Daniel Edison, Kat Dellar, Kev Mud, Mary Cross, Pauline Eyre and Rabiah Coon

Circuit Breakers supports new comedians who are breaking on to the scene by bringing them to the festival for two mixed bill shows, hosted by Eshaan Akbar at Peter Pizzeria on  February 16 and 17.

The Circuit Breakers for 2024 are: Aisha Amanduri, Holly Ludlow, Ryan Kenny, Tasmin Sarkany, Tegan Verheul and Vinny Shiu.

Last year’s intake are pictured aboive

The Silver Stand-up showcases comedians over the age of 55. It is hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice  on Tuesday February 20 at Peter Pizzeria. 

The contestants for 2024 are: Gary Edwards, Georgia Apsion, Gerry Carroll, Jurgen Strack, Kevin Daniel, Mark Ahier, Roland Gent and Tracey Rhodes aka Our Trace

Programme ctor Charlotte Laidet said ‘Supporting emerging talents and celebrating comedy in all its forms are the core missions of our festival and Big Difference as a charity. 

‘We are so proud to run these events, and the record breaking number of applications shows the high demand for these type of events in the comedy industry. We wish all finalists good luck and are looking forward to the shows in February!’

Next year’s Leicester Comedy Festival runs from February 7 to 25. Full details are at www.comedy-festival.co.uk

Published: 15 Dec 2023