BBC New Comedy Awards 2024 is coming to Belfast

The BBC’s biggest comedy talent search is back and they’re heading to The MAC, Belfast for the Northern Irish Regional Final on 1st October. This televised event will be hosted by Derry born comedian & author, Serena Terry. Head Judge Babatunde Aleshe (Googlebox, I’m a Celeb, Taskmaster) will be joined by local judge Vittorio Angelone (Translations, Mike & Vittorio’s Guide To Parenting) to make up the panel deciding which fresh new comic will make it through to the BBC One Grand Final.

Babatunde Aléshé, Head Judge, says: “I’m over the moon to be asked by the BBC to be their Head Judge for the New Comedy Awards and to be judging alongside Vittorio Angelone.  This prestigious competition has seen a raft of amazing comics taking part over the years. I can’t wait to see what brand-new talent the UK has to offer in Northern Ireland this year, we will be in good hands with Serena Terry.”

Now in its 29th year, the New Comedy Awards have helped launch the careers of so many comedy greats, including Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Russell Howard, Alan Carr, Sarah Millican, Josie Long, Tom Allen and Joe Lycett.

For those budding comedy superstars, the prize for the New Comedian 2024 has just got even bigger! The winner will receive a paid commission to write and perform their own 30-minute audio pilot under the mentorship of a BBC Comedy Commissioner, a glittering trophy and £1,000 cash. Plus, the winner will perform live on the BBC as part of Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day night of TV in March 2025 on its 40th Anniversary.

Register now for your free tickets to the live recording at https://themaclive.com/about-us

Please note, tickets are over allocated to ensure full capacity. Entry is on a first come first serve basis.