New Acts Of The Year 2016 finalists
Winners Update. Here are the results:
1st: Bilal Zafar
2nd: Jimmy Bird
3rd: Emma Sidi and Josh Pugh
5th: Revan & Fennell
This Sunday afternoon, 13 comedy acts will take to the stage to perform in the New Acts Of The Year 2016 competition.
The NATYS - which were previously known as the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year awards - have been running for over 30 years now, with the aim of presenting the best emerging comedy talent on a large stage. The organisers say: "It remains comedy's favourite go-to showcase of the year, for fellow practitioners, fans, live booking agents and press, bloggers and reviewers alike."
This year's final - which takes place at the Leicester Square Theatre in London - will, once again, be hosted by Arthur Smith.
Over 100 acts who met the requirement of having 20 minutes of material auditioned for the 2016 contest, but only 13 have been able to progress to the final.
Below are a list of the comedians taking part, with the short descriptions provided by the NATYS:
Revan & Fennel: A double act kicking football satire.
Josh Pugh: Masters the art of one-liners.
Thomas Rackham: Revels inside Birmingham nightlife.
Emma Sidi: A study in comic language.
President Obonjo: Character deconstruction.
[b]James (Mr Spooky) Murphy: Musical loon.
Jimmy Bird: Brighton lifeguard!
Bilal Zafar: Saved his benefits and went into business.
Luca Copani: Italian comedy for London.
Svetlana the Oligarch's Wife: Say no more.
Patrick Brusnahan: Rapid fire new look at politics.
Bucket: Perfectly timed funny sketches.
Dave Green: Mindful comedy juxtapositions.
All the acts performing will receive £75, with the 'top of the bill' title determined by "a mixed crowd of comedy cognoscenti."
Tickets are available via the Venue box office
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