New Act Competition 2026 - Grand Final

The Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition sees around 100 of the best up-and-coming comics in the UK compete for the title.

After nine heats, twelve of the best acts battle it out in tonight's Grand Final at the splendid Old Theatre Royal - judged by a panel comprising comedy industry heavyweights including Jill Edwards, Alan Nixon, Mark Robson and Bath Comedy Festival Director Nick Steel, plus guest judge Angie Belcher - an award-winning facilitator, coach and stand-up comedian.

The MC for tonight's final is Mark Maier - multi-talented award-winning writer, teacher and highly sought after stand-up performer on both the national and international comedy circuits, with many TV and Radio credits to his name. Winner of British Performer Of The Year with the highest paying prize for Comedy in the UK. "Playful, intelligent and very funny" - Rory Bremner.

There will also be a performance from last year's winner Madeleine Brettingham while the judges deliberate!

The winner will be presented with the coveted Bath Comedy New Act Of The Year Award, receive £250 and guaranteed paid gigs throughout the following year.

Notable previous finalists include Madeleine Brettingham, Luke Richards, Mark Flynn, Kev Mud, Adam Flood, Bennet Kavanagh, David Eagle, Sunjai Arif, Tamar Broadbent, Archie Maddocks, Larry Dean, Garrett Millerick, Rob Beckett, Joe Lycett, Matt Richardson, Mickey Sharma, Lindsay Sharman, Harriet Kemsley and James Alderson.

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