Ahead of the gig at Clapham Grand

The finalists for the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 have been announced.  

Taking part in the showcase at Clapham Grand, South London on June 10 are: Sean Barnham, Sydney May,  Rhys Thorne, Jack Henry, Ciara Barnes, Dominic Mcgovern, Chloe Reynolds, Esther and Josh Sedman. 

They were picked after six live heats across the country and two semi-finals in London.

Producer Chris Smith said: ‘Many of the acts tackle tough but resonant themes, from gay shame and identity struggles to family rejection and internalised stereotypes. 

‘What makes them exceptional is their ability to turn pain into razor-sharp comedy that resonates with all audiences, regardless of background or orientation.

‘They are incredibly skilled at turning life’s barriers into brilliant material - but those same barriers often make it harder for them to be seen.'

The competition, run by the Comedy Bloomers is in its fourth year and last year was won by Marty Gleeson, above, who said: ‘This award opened up so many doors for me in my comedy career and put me in front of a lot of the right people in the industry. While it gave me visibility, it also gave me a huge boost of confidence in my craft. It’s a vital competition for queer voices in comedy.’

Tickets for the final are on sale here. It will also be streamed in the UK on Outflix and on OutTV across the US and Canada from July 24.

Published: 27 May 2025