...as Bath Comedy Festival crowns its winner

The finalists have been named for the 2026 West End New Act of the Year.

They are: Atharva Pharande, Charlotte Madden, Donna Williams, Ella Clark, Eloise Heath , Emma Davies, Eszter Rácz, Mani Ahmed, Jonny Brace, Mani Ahmed, Reese Patel, Sameera Bowers, Scott Oswald, Shadi Ahmed, Sudeepta Sanyal and Tom Voice 

The winner will get £150 and one paid spots with £80 for runners-up – but more significantly, the three podium places will be offered a week’s worth of Edinburgh Fringe accommodation.

For comedians were named 'ones to watch' by the organisers, even  though they will not perform at the final Gabby Rolls, Lincoln Ho, Wen Shi and Martina O'Sullivan

The final will take place on Tuesday May 5 at the Albany in Great Portland Street, headlined by Sarah Mills and hosted by Steve McLean. 

More than 250 comedians entered this year’s competition. 

•  Christopher Donovan won the £250 Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition at the weekend – seeing off more than 200 other applications. Second place went to Rich Bunn and third place was shared between Victoria Blunt and Ollie Young. A total of 13 acts made the final – they are all pictured above with festival organiser Nick Steel and last year’s winner Madeleine Brettingham.

Published: 22 Apr 2026