David Eagle wins Bath New Act Competition 2019
- David Eagle has won the Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition 2019
- Martin Durchov came second, with Chelsea Birkby third
David Eagle was the winner of the 11th annual Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition.
The comedian was awarded the 2019 Lovehoney Newcomer Award at the live final on Sunday night (14th April).
Taking place as the Widcombe Social Club, the competition featured 10 finalists battling it out in front of an audience and panel of judges.
Martin Durchov came second, with Chelsea Birkby third.
The other comedians to make the final, from an initial field of 120 competitors, were Nathan Eagle, Will Hall, Paul Hilleard, Saban Kasim, Fran Kissling, Jenny Laville and sketch duo The Extra Virgins.
Eagle, commenting on his win, says: "First Nottingham Comedy Festival and now Bath Comedy Festival - I appear to be a comedian that appeals to middle class audiences!"
Eagle receives £250, and a guaranteed paid gig at next year's festival. Meanwhile all the finalists were given a goody bag containing items from Principal Sponsor Lovehoney and Festival Sponsor Bath Ales.
In a new development this year, all 24 semi-finalists were also offered the opportunity of a two night stay in Bath, a comedy workshop with John Moloney and tickets to watch the Festival's Closing Weekend Comedy Gala featuring Moloney, Alan Francis, Barnaby Power, Emily Rose Simons, Pete Latham and headlined by Fred Macaulay.
The judges were TV execs Graham Smith and Alan Nixon, comedy coach Jill Edwards, comedian John Moloney and festival director Nick Steel.
While the judges deliberated, the evening's MC Geoff Whiting interviewed the 2018 winner Pete Latham, who also performed a set to the delight of the audience.
Nick Steel says: "It's been the best standard we've ever had and we look forward to seeing how all the finalists' careers develop. We are hugely grateful to our wonderful sponsors, especially Lovehoney & Bath Ales for their contributions to the whole festival, and especially tonight. What a delight to see a packed room full of happy smiling faces, and a great way to end the Festival - seeing future stars in the making - rock n roll isn't dead!"
The results were live streamed: