Newcastle to host BBC New Comedy Awards heat
The 30th anniversary talent search is coming to the city's Boiler Shop this September with five comics competing for a grand final stand-up spot
Newcastle is set to take centre (stand-up) stage in the BBC’s biggest comedy talent search this September, as the BBC New Comedy Awards 2025 celebrates its 30th anniversary with a live regional heat at the city’s Boiler Shop.
The Northern Heat, taking place on September 22, will see five rising stars of stand-up battle it out for a coveted spot in the Grand Final.
Audiences can secure free tickets now for what might be the night to see the next big thing when it comes to stand up… but either way it’s pretty much nailed on to be an excellent night of good times.
Yorkshire’s own Amy Gledhill, winner of the 2024 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show and familiar face from Alma’s Not Normal and Hullraisers, will host the night, which will be broadcast on BBC Three and available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Judging the acts will be an expert panel led by Fatiha El-Ghorri, acclaimed comedian and actor known for Mr Big Stuff, Taskmaster and Live at the Apollo. She will be joined by Manchester’s Dan Tiernan (8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown) and Teesside’s Phil Dunning (Smoggie Queens, Am I Being Unreasonable?).
Fatiha El-Ghorri said: “I’m honoured and super happy to be asked by the BBC to be their Head Judge for the New Comedy Awards! I love seeing new performers and watching them grow and progress on the comedy circuit so I can't wait to be involved on the telly. I look forward to seeing what brand-new talent is emerging.”
The Newcastle heat is one of six regional showcases, with others taking place in Bristol, Birmingham, Belfast, Glasgow and London. More than 1,000 hopefuls applied earlier this year, with just five finalists chosen for each heat.
One winner from each region will go through to the Grand Final in Bradford, 2025’s UK City of Culture, on October 17. Hosted by Guz Khan at the Alhambra Theatre, the final will be broadcast on BBC One and feature a set by 2024’s winner, Paul Hilleard.
The overall champion will receive a trophy, £1,000, and a paid commission to write and perform their own 30-minute audio pilot under the mentorship of a BBC comedy commissioner. They will also perform as part of Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day in March 2026.
Since its launch in 1995, the awards have helped launch the careers of comedy heavyweights including Alan Carr, Sarah Millican, Peter Kay, Jason Manford, Russell Howard and Joe Lycett.
Tickets for the BBC New Comedy Awards Northern Heat at the Boiler Shop on September 22 are free via Eventbrite, but early booking is advised as entry is first-come, first-served.