Sydney May wins LGBTQ+ New Comedian Of The Year 2025
- Sydney May has won the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 competition. Runners-up: Sean Barnham and Dominic McGovern
- Her set, focusing on her lived experiences as a blind and queer person, saw her praised for her "razor-sharp delivery, original material, and undeniable stage charisma"
- She says: "This award means the world - not just as recognition, but as a reminder that laughter really does break down barriers"
Sydney May has been crowned the winner of Comedy Bloomers' LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 competition.
She triumphed at the live final last night (10th June) taking place at London's Clapham Grand. The rising star beat off fierce competition from eight other finalists to take home the coveted title in front of a packed audience of over 500 comedy fans.
Hailing from Brighton, Sydney's style blends personal insight and "bold, original observational humour, often touching on identity and her lived experiences as a blind and queer person, through fearless storytelling".
Sydney May says: "I can honestly say I did not see this coming. I'm beyond thankful for my awesome family and friends who have supported me from the beginning and for the unbiased strangers who somehow find me funny.
"This award means the world - not just as recognition, but as a reminder that laughter really does break down barriers. Comedy has given me a voice, a stage, and now, this surreal moment. Thank you for coming on this wild ride with me - I don't know where life is going, but I can't wait to find out!"
Sydney impressed the judging panel - Zoe Lyons, Jessica Fostekew, James Barr and Tia Kofi - with "razor-sharp delivery, original material, and undeniable stage charisma".
James Barr commented: "All of your jokes are perfectly constructed, so funny, brilliantly written and surprising. I honestly think you're ready for Live At The Apollo right now!"
Jessica Fostekew said: "Timing, writing, delivery - such strong f****ing jokes! That was absolutely brilliant!"
Tia Kofi noted: "Fantastic, so funny, some good misdirection moments - and there's something about the rhythm and the way you deliver the jokes that was really satisfying to listen to."
Zoe Lyons concluded: "Just brilliant word-class jokes with so little space between all of the gags - a professional and absolutely stunning performance."
The judges chose Sean Barnham and Dominic McGovern for the runner-up positions.
The final - marked the culmination of a nationwide search for the UK's freshest queer comedy talent, following six live nationwide heats and two hotly competed semi-finals - was hosted by Matthew Ali. The other finalists were Ciara Barnes, Esther, Jack Henry, Chloe Reynolds, Josh Sedman and Rhys Thorne.
Chris Smith, founder of Comedy Bloomers, says: "Sydney absolutely lit up the room - her set was rich, sharp and original. This year's finalists were all phenomenal, and the sheer range of styles and stories on stage shows just how vibrant and essential queer comedy is right now. We're so proud to be part of building that future."
The final will be broadcast on streaming channel OUTFlix on 31st July.
The competition will return in 2026, with applications opening later this year.