UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ comedy competition returns
- Colour Editorial
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Comedy Bloomers’ LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 Grand Final hits the Clapham Grand on 10 June, judged by James Barr, Tia Kofi, Zoe Lyons, and Jessica Fostekew
The UK’s biggest and most exciting comedy competition dedicated to emerging LGBTQ+ stand-up comedy talent is back - bigger, bolder, and funnier than ever.
After a series of six live heats across the country and two semi-finals in London, the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 competition will culminate in a glittering grand final on Tuesday 10 June at the Clapham Grand, spotlighting the very best rising stars in queer comedy.
Hosted by the brilliantly sharp-witted Matthew Ali, the final will see seven finalists take to the stage to battle it out for the highly coveted title, judged by a panel of industry favourites: presenter-comic James Barr, Drag Race UK’s Tia Kofi and award-winning comedians Zoe Lyons and Jessica Fostekew.
Now in its fourth year, the competition has become a vital launchpad for new LGBTQ+ voices on the comedy circuit, offering a national platform for performers whose perspectives are still underrepresented in mainstream comedy.
Zoe Lyons, one of this year's judges, said:“I am delighted to be once again part of the judging panel for the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year. It has been a joy to see so much brilliant new talent come through this competition. I can't wait to see what this year has to offer.”
James Barr, another judge for this year’s competition, said:“Hosting this competition in 2022 was truly iconic, and coming back as a judge feels like a full-circle moment. It’s amazing to see new LGBTQ+ talent light up the stage. This competition is proof that queer comedy is thriving, fearless, and fabulously funny.”
Many past finalists have gone on to appear at the Edinburgh Fringe, tour nationally, and develop their own shows. This year’s final will feature a headline set from Marty Gleeson, 2024’s winner.
Marty Gleeson said:“This award opened up so many doors for me in my comedy career and put me in front of alot 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.”
Chris Smith, the founder of Comedy Bloomers, which produces the competition, is a former TV producer and stand-up comedian. He said:“Our mission has always been to go beyond tokenism and offer a true platform for the very best LGBTQ+ comedy talent. In 2025, that mission feels even more vital given the changing dynamic of global politics, and even more critical that we continue to spotlight trans talent in particular - especially in a climate that’s increasingly hostile.
"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. Comedy Bloomers exists to change that: to give these performers the confidence, the stage, and the support they deserve to thrive. Comedy gives power back to the performer. It’s the great equaliser, cutting through prejudice with laughter.
"The response to the shows has been phenomenal, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward acceptance and inclusion. This is not just a regular gig, but a genuine chance to be seen.”
In a sign of the competition’s growing cultural impact, this year’s final will be filmed and streamed live on NextUp Comedy, with an edited version available to audiences in the UK via OUTFLIX, and internationally on OutTV across the US and Canada from 24 July.
2nd April – Heat 1: Seven Dials Club, London
6th April – Heat 2: CCBLOOMS, Edinburgh
9th April – Heat 3: Zodiac Bar, London
16th April – Heat 4: Two Brewers, London
27th April – Heat 5: Brewers, Manchester
29th April – Heat 6: The Divine, London
21st May – Semi-final 1: Seven Dials, London
22nd May – Semi-final 2: Two Brewers, London
10th June – Final: Clapham Grand, London
For tickets, visit: https://www.outsavvy.com/organiser/lgbtq-events
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