BBC Introducing Radio 4 Comedy Award

Six of the best new stand up comics from across the UK compete in the London semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Awards.

Toby Foster hosts a semi-final from the Sheffield Comedy Festival, featuring six of the best new comedians in the UK. Episode 1 of 7.

Hosted by ALFIE JOEY.

Robin Ince hosts a semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2005, featuring six of the best new comics in the UK. Episode 6 of 7.

Hosted by ALFIE JOEY.

Dara O'Briain hosts the grand final of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2005, featuring the six best new acts on the UK comedy circuit. Episode 7 of 7.

ROBIN INCE hosts the final of the BBC's contest to discover the best new comic talent in the UK.

The 550 entrants are down to 6.

RICHARD WILSON presents this year's awards from Edinburgh, with a mission to find the funniest new comedian in the British Isles.

Hosted by Perrier nominee ALUN COCHRANE

Hosted by ALUN COCHRANE.

Hosted by ALFIE JOEY

The 550 entrants are down to six.

The finalists of the Comedy Contest from 2004 slug it out in a Tolkienesque battle.

ROBIN INCE is your Gandalf.

The 550 entrants are down to 6.

Robin Ince hosts the final of the BBC's contest to discover the best new comic talent in the UK. The 550 entrants are down to six.

Toby Foster hosts a semi-final from the Sheffield Comedy Festival, featuring six of the best new comedians in the UK.

RHOD GILBERT hosts the Cardiff semi-final, featuring six of the best new comedians in the UK.

Producer ED MORRISH.

ROBIN INCE hosts a semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2005, featuring six of the best new comics in the UK.

Toby Foster hosts a semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2005, featuring six of the best new comics in the UK.

RHOD GILBERT hosts a semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2005, featuring six of the best new comics in the UK.

ROBIN INCE hosts a semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2005, featuring six of the best new comics in the UK.

Dara O'Briain hosts the grand final of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2005, featuring the six best new acts on the UK comedy circuit.

Tonight the first six acts go head to head at the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh.

Patrick Kielty presents the first of two semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Award 2011, Radio 2's nationwide search to find the best of new stand up comedy talent in the UK.

From ten regional heats held across the country, twelve acts have been selected by both a judging panel and an audience vote and will be whittled down to just six for the grand final broadcast live on Saturday 18 June. Tonight the first six acts go head to head at the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh. Next week's semi takes place at The Komedia in Bath.

Previous finalists of the BBC New Comedy Award include Alan Carr, Rhod Gilbert, Lee Mack and Peter Kay - join us as we discover the next comedy stars of the future.

Patrick Kielty presents the first of two semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Award 2011.

Tonight the second six acts go head to head at The Komedia in Bath.

Patrick Kielty presents the second semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2011, Radio 2's nationwide search to find the best of new stand up comedy talent in the UK.

From ten regional heats held across the country, twelve acts have been selected by both a judging panel and an audience vote and will be whittled down to just six for the grand final broadcast live on Saturday 18 June. Tonight the second six acts go head to head at The Komedia in Bath.

Previous finalists of the BBC New Comedy Award include Alan Carr, Rhod Gilbert, Lee Mack and Peter Kay - join us as we discover the next comedy stars of the future.

Patrick Kielty presents the second semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2011.

PATRICK KIELTY reveals the results of the audience vote for the BBC New Comedy Award 2011, Radio 2's nationwide search to find the best of new stand-up comedy talent in the UK.

Join us live from The Tabernacle, London, as we find out who has made it through from the 600 acts that applied to be crowned winner of the BBC New Comedy Award 2011.

PATRICK KIELTY reveals the results of the audience vote for the BBC New Comedy Award 2011.

PATRICK KIELTY presents the live final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2011, Radio 2's nationwide search to find the best of new stand-up comedy talent in the UK.

600 acts applied to take part.

100 acts performed in ten regional heats across the country.

12 acts made it through to the semi-finals in Edinburgh and Bath, six of which were chosen by a panel of judges to go through to the last stage.

Tonight, live from the Tabernacle in London, our final six acts will battle it out to be crowned winner of the BBC New Comedy Award 2011 - and its up to you to decide as we ask listeners to vote for their favourite.

600 acts applied to take part. 100 acts performed in ten regional heats across the country. 12 acts made it through to the semi-finals in Edinburgh and Bath, six of which were chosen by a panel of judges to go through to the last stage.

Previous finalists of the BBC New Comedy Award include Alan Carr, Rhod Gilbert, Lee Mack and Peter Kay - join us as we discover the next comedy stars of the future.

Patrick Kielty presents the live final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2011.

PATRICK KIELTY hosts the first of two semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Award 2012 - Radio 2's nationwide search to find the UK's comedy stars of the future - from London's Leicester Square Theatre.

The BBC New Comedy Award 2012 is searching the country to find the next big comedy stars to join the likes of previous finalists ALAN CARR, PETER KAY, LEE MACK, SARAH MILLICAN, MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE, RUSSELL HOWARD and RHOD GILBERT.

800 acts entered. 80 acts competed in eight regional heats held across the country; twelve have been selected - by our judging panel and an audience vote - to perform in our semi-finals, where six acts will be chosen to go through to our grand final which broadcasts live on Radio 2 and the BBC Red Button from The Blackpool Grand Theatre on Monday 12 November.

Tonight in our first semi-final from The Leicester Square Theatre, London, six acts go head to head in the battle for those precious slots in the final, competing for the chance to be crowned winner of the BBC New Comedy Award 2012 with a prize of £1,000 and a commission with BBC Radio Comedy.

The dazzlingly charming Irish funnyman PATRICK KIELTY is our host for the evening, with a panel of esteemed comedy judges - including multi award-winning comic superstar MARK WATSON and last year's winner, the brilliantly funny ANGELA BARNES - to cast judgement before they hand over to the public who will cast the final vote.

Next week's semi-final takes place at The Sage Theatre, Newcastle.

PATRICK KIELTY hosts the second of two semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Award 2012 - Radio 2's nationwide search to find the UK's comedy stars of the future - from The Sage Theatre, Newcastle.

The BBC New Comedy Award 2012 is searching the country to find the next big comedy stars to join the likes of previous finalists ALAN CARR, PETER KAY, LEE MACK, SARAH MILLICAN, MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE, RUSSELL HOWARD and RHOD GILBERT.

800 acts entered. 80 acts competed in eight regional heats held across the country; twelve have been selected - by our judging panel and an audience vote - to perform in our semi-finals, where six acts will be chosen to go through to our grand final which broadcasts live on Radio 2 and the BBC Red Button from The Blackpool Grand Theatre on Monday 12 November.

Tonight in our second semi-final from The Sage Theatre, Newcastle, six acts go head to head in the battle for those precious slots in the final, competing for the chance to be crowned winner of the BBC New Comedy Award 2012 with a prize of £1,000 and a commission with BBC Radio Comedy.

The dazzlingly charming Irish funnyman PATRICK KIELTY is our host for the evening, with a panel of esteemed comedy judges - including irresistible Geordie genius Jason Cook and last year's winner, the brilliantly funny ANGELA BARNES - to cast judgement before they hand over to the public who will cast the final vote.

The Grand Final will be broadcast live on Radio 2 and Red Button on Monday 12th November at 20:00.

PATRICK KIELTY hosts the Grand Final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2012 - Radio 2's nationwide search to find the UK's comedy stars of the future - live from The Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

The BBC New Comedy Award 2012 is searching the country to find the next big comedy stars to join the likes of previous finalists ALAN CARR, PETER KAY, LEE MACK, SARAH MILLICAN, MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE, RUSSELL HOWARD and RHOD GILBERT.

800 acts entered. 80 acts competed in eight regional heats held across the country. Twelve were chosen - two by an audience vote - to perform in the Semi-Finals in London and Newcastle, where just six acts were put through to the final stage by our panel of comedy judges.

Tonight, live on Radio 2 and BBC Red Button, those final six acts go head to head to battle it out in the hope of being crowned winner of the BBC Radio 2 New Comedy Award 2012 with a prize of £1,000 and a commission with BBC Radio Comedy. And their fate is in your hands as we ask you to vote for your favourite online and by SMS.

The dazzlingly charming Irish funnyman PATRICK KIELTY is our host for the evening, with an esteemed comedy panel, including comic dynamite STEPHEN K AMOS, offering feedback before we hand over to the public to cast the final vote.

The first heat of the 2014 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, recorded at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.SUSAN CALMAN hosts this opening heat, as ten new comedians try to win a place in the semi-finals. Guest judge JASON BYRNE is part of the judging panel.

Performers: Jack Barry, Njambi McGrath, Matthew Courtnell, Lucy Frederick, John Tansey, Lost Voice Guy, PAUL JONES, Ed Caruana, Abigoliah Schamaun, Sean Hegarty.

Judges: ALISON VERNON-SMITH, Steve Bennett, JASON BYRNE.

Made for 4 Extra. The first heat of the 2013 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, hosted by SUSAN CALMAN and recorded at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With special guest judge DAN ANTOPOLSKI.

The first heat of the 2014 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, recorded at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Susan Calman hosts this opening heat, as ten new comedians try to win a place in the semi-finals. Guest judge Jason Byrne is part of the judging panel.

'

The second heat of the 2013 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, hosted by MICK FERRY.

The third heat of the 2013 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, hosted by JUSTIN MOORHOUSE.

The fourth heat of the 2013 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, hosted by JO ENRIGHT.

Made for 4 Extra. The fifth heat of the 2013 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, hosted by JOE LYCETT. Featuring guest judge ISY SUTTIE.

Made for 4 Extra. Heat six of the 2013 BBC Radio New Comedy Award comes once again from the Glee Club in Cardiff, with ELIS JAMES as host and ISY SUTTIE as guest judge.

Heat six comes from the Glee Club in Cardiff, with host ELIS JAMES and guest ISY SUTTIE.

Made for 4 Extra. The show moves to London for heat seven. Hosted by Arthur Smith at the Up the Creek comedy club, this heat includes STEPHEN K AMOS as guest judge.

The fourth heat of the 2013 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, hosted by Arthur Smith.

Made for 4 Extra. The show is in London for the final heat. Hosted by TOM WRIGGLESWORTH at the Up the Creek comedy club, with STEPHEN K AMOS as guest judge.

The fourth heat of the 2013 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, hosted by TOM WRIGGLESWORTH.

2012 winner Lucy Beaumont brings you highlights from the eight shortlisted runners-up, fighting for the two 'wildcard' semi-final places. Listen in and decide who gets your vote.

Highlights of eight shortlisted runners-up, fighting for two 'wildcard' semi-final places.

PATRICK KIELTY hosts the second of two semi-finals of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2013 - Radio 2's nationwide search to find the UK's comedy stars of the future - from the London Arts Theatre.

This year the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2013, a joint project between Radio 2 and Radio 4 Extra, is searching for the next big comedy stars to join the likes of previous finalists ALAN CARR, PETER KAY, LEE MACK, SARAH MILLICAN, MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE, RUSSELL HOWARD and RHOD GILBERT. Over 600 acts entered and 80 acts competed in eight regional heats held across the country; 6 acts are competing in this semi-final and three will go through to the final.

The final of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2013, broadcast live on Radio 2.

Extended edition, made for 4 Extra.PATRICK KIELTY presents this first semi-final of the 2014 BBC Radio New Comedy Award from the Birmingham Glee Club.

This is the first of two semi-finals, presented by PATRICK KIELTY and recorded at the Glee Club, Birmingham.

PATRICK KIELTY hosts the second semi-final in Radio 2's nationwide search for the next big comedy star of the future. Recorded at London's 100 Club, listen as seven acts battle it out to be in this year's final.

Made for 4 Extra. The second of two semi-finals in the 2014 BBC Radio New Comedy Award. Recorded at the Glee Club in Birmingham and hosted by PATRICK KIELTY. Extended edition.

Made for 4 Extra. Patrick Kielty hosts the second semi-final of the 2015 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, recorded at the Comedy Store in Manchester.

'

Marcus Brigstocke looks back at twenty years of the BBC New Comedy Awards, including highlights from the 2015 final, which took place earlier in the day at London's Comedy Store and was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2.

He also talks to figures that put the awards into context - how long will it be before these bright young talents are part of the comedy firmament? Marcus himself knows that it's a long path to success - he won the awards back in 1996, but Giles Wemmbley-Hogg didn't arrive on Radio 4 until 2002...

Contributors include comedy industry insiders who gave seen new comedians come and go; comedians who have had success despite failing to reach any awards final; a comedian who did well in the competition but gave up nonetheless.

Producer: Ed Morrish

A BBC Radio Comedy Production.

Made for 4 Extra. First heat in comedy's prestigious new talent competition presents some of the best new comedians and comes from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The next heat in comedy's most prestigious new talent competition from the BBC's Potterow venue at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Our host, SUSAN CALMAN presents some of the best new stand-up and sketch comedy talent from across the UK.

Judges for this heat are comedian PAUL SINHA, BBC Comedy Producer SAM BRYANT and editor of comedy website Chortle, Steve Bennett.

Produced by LYNDSAY FENNER and Laura Baron.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in September 2015.

The next heat in comedy's most prestigious new talent competition from The Komedia in Bath.

Our host, ELIS JAMES presents some of the best new comedians from across the UK.

Judges for this heat are comedian LUCY PORTER, BBC Comedy Producer SAM BRYANT and editor of comedy website Chortle, Steve Bennett

Produced by LYNDSAY FENNER and Kerry McCarthy.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in September 2015.

The next heat in comedy's most prestigious new talent competition from The Komedia in Bath.

Our host, LUCY PORTER presents some of the best new comedians from across the UK.

Judges for this heat are comedian ELIS JAMES, BBC Comedy Producer SAM BRYANT and editor of comedy website Chortle, Steve Bennett

Produced by LYNDSAY FENNER and Sophie Black.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in September 2015.

The next heat in comedy's most prestigious new talent competition from London's famous Up the Creek comedy club.

Our host, former finalist Dane Baptiste presents some of the best new comedians from across the UK.

Judges for this heat are comedian HOLLY WALSH, BBC Comedy Producer SAM BRYANT and editor of comedy website Chortle, Steve Bennett

Produced by LYNDSAY FENNER and Laura Baron

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in October 2015.

The next heat in comedy's most prestigious new talent competition from London's famous Up The Creek comedy club.

Our host Jessica Fostekew presents some of the best new comedians from across the UK.

Judges for this heat are comedian Jocelyn Esien, BBC Comedy Producer SAM BRYANT and editor of comedy website Chortle, Steve Bennett.

Produced by LYNDSAY FENNER and Laura Baron.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in October 2015.

The next heat in comedy's most prestigious new talent competition from Birmingham's famous Glee Club.

Our host JUSTIN MOORHOUSE presents some of the best new comedians from across the UK.

Judges for this heat are comedian ISY SUTTIE, BBC Comedy Producer SAM BRYANT and editor of comedy website Chortle, Steve Bennett.

Produced by LYNDSAY FENNER and Kerry McCarthy.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in October 2015.

The next heat in comedy's most prestigious new talent competition from Birmingham's famous Glee Club.

Our host JOE LYCETT presents some of the best new comedians from across the UK.

Judges for this heat are comedian ISY SUTTIE, BBC Comedy Producer SAM BRYANT and editor of comedy website Chortle, Steve Bennett.

Produced by LYNDSAY FENNER and Laura Baron.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in October 2015.

The first semi-final in comedy's most prestigious new talent competition.

PATRICK KIELTY hosts the second semi-final of the 2015 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, recorded at the Comedy Store in Manchester. 750 entrants have been whittled down across 8 heats to our 12 semi-finalists, and tonight features Russ Peers, Yuriko Kotani, Michael Stranney, Tom Taylor, Sophie Willan and Adam Hastings.

Produced by LYNDSAY FENNER. A BBC Radio Comedy Production.

'

Marcus Brigstocke looks back on 20 years of the BBC New Comedy Awards.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE looks back at twenty years of the BBC New Comedy Awards, including highlights from the 2015 final, which took place at London's Comedy Store and was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2.

He also talks to figures that put the awards into context - how long will it be before these bright young talents are part of the comedy firmament? Marcus himself knows that it's a long path to success - he won the awards back in 1996, but Giles Wemmbley-Hogg didn't arrive on Radio 4 until 2002...

Contributors include comedy industry insiders who gave seen new comedians come and go; comedians who have had success despite failing to reach any awards final; a comedian who did well in the competition but gave up nonetheless.

Ten new comedians perform in the first heat from Up The Creek in London.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Ten new comedians perform in the first heat from Up The Creek in London with host Jess Fostekew.

Ten new comedians perform in the second heat from Up The Creek in London.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Ten new comedians compete in the second heat. Nish Kumar is your host from Up The Creek Comedy Club in London.

The BBC Radio New Comedy Award was produced by Suzy Grant, the edit producer was Laura Grimshaw. The production team was Tamara Shilham and Leian John-Baptiste. It was a BBC Studios production.

'

Ten new comedians perform in the third heat from Manchester's Comedy Store.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Ten new comedians perform in the third heat from Manchester's Comedy Store with host JUSTIN MOORHOUSE.

The BBC Radio New Comedy Award was produced by Suzy Grant, the edit producer was Laura Grimshaw. The production team was Tamara Shilham and Leian John-Baptiste. It was a BBC Studios production.

Ten new comedians perform in the fourth heat from Manchester's Comedy Store.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Ten new comedians perform in the fourth heat from Manchester's Comedy Store with host Nathan Caton.

The BBC Radio New Comedy Award was produced by Suzy Grant, the edit producer was Laura Grimshaw. The production team was Tamara Shilham and Leian John-Baptiste. It was a BBC Studios production.

Ten new comedians perform in the fifth heat from The Glee Club, Cardiff.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

'

Ten new comedians perform from The Glee Club, Cardiff with host Mae Martin.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Ten new comedians perform in the sixth heat from The Glee Club, Cardiff with host Mae Martin.

MARK WATSON hosts the first semi-final from the Edinburgh Festival with judges MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE, TOM ALLEN, and Julia Mackenzie.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

MARK WATSON hosts the second semi-final from the Edinburgh Festival with judges SUSAN CALMAN, Julia Mackenzie and CLIVE ANDERSON.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Hosted by Mark Watson, the final six compete for the prestigious New Comedy Award 2016.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

MARK WATSON hosts the grand final of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2016 - Radio 4's nationwide search to find the UK's comedy stars of the future - live from the Edinburgh Fringe.

The BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2016 is searching the country to find the next big comedy stars to join the likes of previous finalists ALAN CARR, PETER KAY, LEE MACK, SARAH MILLICAN, MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE, RUSSELL HOWARD and RHOD GILBERT.

Sixty acts competed in six regional heats held across the country to make it through to the semi-finals in Edinburgh, and now the live final from the Fringe.

Tonight, live on Radio 4, those final six acts go head to head to battle it out in the hope of being crowned winner of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2016 with a prize of £1,000 and a script commission with BBC Radio Comedy. Deciding upon the winner is an esteemed comedy panel of judges.

Ten new comedians perform in Up The Creek in London with host Nish Kumar.

"

The first heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 will be recorded at Up The Creek in London and it will be hosted by Nish Kumar. The judges will be the comedian Mae Martin, BBC Radio Comedy Editor Simon Nicholls, and Steve Bennett from Chortle. Ten new comedians will perform in the hope of making it through to the semi-final at the Edinburgh Festival."

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Kerry Godliman is your host from Up The Creek Comedy Club in London.

"

The second heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 is to be recorded at Up The Creek in London and it will be hosted by Kerry Godliman.

The judges are the comedian Holly Walsh, BBC Radio Comedy Editor Simon Nicholls, and Steve Bennett from Chortle.

Ten new comedians will perform in the hope of making it through to the semi-final at the Edinburgh Festival."

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The third heat is from Manchester's Comedy Store with host BARBARA NICE.

"

The third heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 will be recorded at Manchester's Comedy Store with host BARBARA NICE.

The judges will be the comedian Phil Ellis, BBC Radio Comedy Editor SIMON NICHOLLS, and Steve Bennett from Chortle.

Ten new comedians will perform in the hope of making it through to the semi-final at the Edinburgh Festival."

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The fourth heat is from Manchester's Comedy Store with host TEZ ILYAS.

"

The fourth heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 will be recorded at Manchester's Comedy Store with host TEZ ILYAS.

The judges will be the comedian ZOE LYONS, BBC Radio Comedy Editor SIMON NICHOLLS, and Steve Bennett from Chortle.

Ten new comedians will perform in the hope of making it through to the semi-final at the Edinburgh Festival."

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The fifth heat is from the Glee Club in Cardiff, with host Kiri Pritchard-McClean.

"

The fifth heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 will be recorded at the Glee Club in Cardiff with host Kiri Pritchard-McClean.

The judges will be the comedian Lloyd Langford, BBC Radio Comedy Editor Simon Nicholls, and Steve Bennett from Chortle.

Ten new comedians will perform in the hope of making it through to the semi-final at the Edinburgh Festival."

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The fifth heat is from the Glee Club in Cardiff, with host Lloyd Langford.

"

The sixth heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 will be recorded at the Glee Club in Cardiff with host Lloyd Langford.

The judges will be the comedian Tiff Stevenson, BBC Radio Comedy Editor Simon Nicholls, and Steve Bennett from Chortle.

Ten new comedians will perform in the hope of making it through to the semi-final at the Edinburgh Festival."

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Mark Watson hosts the first semi-final from the Edinburgh Festival.

"

The first semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 is hosted by Mark Watson at the Edinburgh Festival.

The judges are comedians Dane Baptiste and Angela Barnes, and BBC Radio Comedy's Julia Mackenzie.

The best new acts compete for a place in the final being broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 at 6.15pm on Sunday 13th August."

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

MARK WATSON hosts the second semi-final from the Edinburgh Festival.

"

The second semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 is hosted by MARK WATSON at the Edinburgh Festival.

The judges are comedy writer and presenter CLIVE ANDERSON, comedian TOM ALLEN, and BBC Radio Comedy's Julia Mackenzie.

The best new acts compete for a place in the final being broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 at 6.15pm on Sunday 13th August."

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Mark Watson hosts the final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 - Radio 4's nationwide search to find the UK's comedy stars of the future - live from the Edinburgh Fringe. Past finalists include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Sarah Millican, Joe Lycett, Russell Howard and Rhod Gilbert.

Sixty acts competed in six regional heats, and two semi-finals, held across the country to make it through to the live final in Edinburgh. The final six acts will now go head to head in the hope of being crowned winner of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017, with a prize of £1,000 and a script commission with BBC Studios Radio Comedy. Deciding upon the winner is an esteemed comedy panel of judges, Hugh Dennis, Sioned Wiliam and Jenny Eclair, with a special performance from Tez Ilyas.

Mark Watson hosts the final of the New Comedy Award 2017, live from the Edinburgh Fringe.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Mark Watson hosts the final of the New Comedy Award 2017, live from the Edinburgh Fringe.

"

Mark Watson hosts the final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 - Radio 4's nationwide search to find the UK's comedy stars of the future - live from the Edinburgh Fringe. Past finalists include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Sarah Millican, Joe Lycett, Russell Howard and Rhod Gilbert.

Sixty acts competed in six regional heats, and two semi-finals, held across the country to make it through to the live final in Edinburgh. The final six acts will now go head to head in the hope of being crowned winner of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017, with a prize of £1,000 and a script commission with BBC Studios Radio Comedy. Deciding upon the winner is an esteemed comedy panel of judges, Hugh Dennis, Sioned Wiliam and Jenny Eclair, with a special performance from Tez Ilyas."

Mark Watson hosts the final of the New Comedy Award 2017, live from the Edinburgh Fringe.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

MARK WATSON hosts the final of the New Comedy Award 2017, live from the Edinburgh Fringe.

The first heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, hosted by Dane Baptiste.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

"

The first heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, recorded at Up the Creek Comedy Club in London and hosted by Dane Baptiste. Ten new acts compete for a place in the Edinburgh semi-final of this prestigious new act competition.

Acts are: Amy Matthews, Archie Henderson, Ben Lawrence, Benji Waterstones, Dan Offen, Jake Baker, Jess Bray, Mo Saffaf, Rachel Wheeley and Thanyia Moore.

The judges are: Steve Bennett (editor of chortle.co.uk), BBC Executive Producer VICTORIA LLOYD and comedian and writer Holly Walsh.

Produced by Lyndsay Fenner. A BBC Studios production."

Ten new comedians perform in Up The Creek in London with host NISH KUMAR.

The first heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 will be recorded at Up The Creek in London and it will be hosted by NISH KUMAR. The judges will be the comedian Mae Martin, BBC Radio Comedy Editor SIMON NICHOLLS, and Steve Bennett from Chortle. Ten new comedians will perform in the hope of making it through to the semi-final at the Edinburgh Festival."

The first heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, recorded at Up the Creek.

The second heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, hosted by Mae Martin.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

"

The second heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, recorded at Up the Creek Comedy Club in London and hosted by Mae Martin. Ten new acts compete for a place in the Edinburgh semi-final of this prestigious new act competition.

Acts are: Ada Campe, Cansu Karabiyik, Esther Manito, Harry Carr, Isa Bonachera, Joe Hobbs, Kat Sadler, Matt Hutchinson, Riordan DJ and Rosie Holt.

The judges are: Steve Bennett (editor of chortle.co.uk), BBC Executive Producer VICTORIA LLOYD and comedian Jocelyn Jee Esien.

Produced by Lyndsay Fenner. A BBC Studios production."

Kerry Godliman is your host from Up The Creek Comedy Club in London.

The second heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2017 is to be recorded at Up The Creek in London and it will be hosted by Kerry Godliman.

The judges are the comedian Holly Walsh, BBC Radio Comedy Editor Simon Nicholls, and Steve Bennett from Chortle.

Ten new comedians will perform in the hope of making it through to the semi-final at the Edinburgh Festival."

The third heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, hosted by Tez Ilyas.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

"

The third heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, recorded at Up the Creek Comedy Club in London and hosted by Tez Ilyas. Ten new acts compete for a place in the Edinburgh semi-final of this prestigious new act competition.

Acts are: Adam Beardsmore, Adele Cliff, Ali Woods, Birds, Darran Griffiths, David McIver, Jenan Younis, Lulu Popplewell, Maddie Campion and William Stone.

The judges are: Steve Bennett (editor of chortle.co.uk), BBC Executive Producer VICTORIA LLOYD and comedian Dane Baptiste.

Produced by Lyndsay Fenner. A BBC Studios production."

The fourth heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, hosted by Kiri Pritchard-Maclean.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The fifth heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, hosted by Mike Bobbins.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The fifth and final heat of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, recorded at the Glee Club in Cardiff, hosted by Mike Bubbins. Ten new acts compete for a place in the Edinburgh semi-final of this prestigious new act competition.

Acts are: Andrew White, Ben Peel, Chloe Green, Cam Davies, Helen Bauer, Jeremy Flynn, Jodie Mitchell, Josh Baulf, Leo Gallagher and Pauline Eyre.

The judges are: Steve Bennett (editor of chortle.co.uk), BBC Executive Producer VICTORIA LLOYD and comedian Kiri Pritchard-Maclean.

Produced by Lyndsay Fenner. A BBC Studios production.

The first semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, hosted by Mark Watson.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

"

The first semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, hosted by Mark Watson and recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Acts are: Helen Bauer, Matt Hutchinson, Sarah Mann, Stephen Buchanan and William Stone.

The judges are comedians Angela Barnes, Marcus Brigstocke and Julia McKenzie (Executive Editor, BBC Studios Radio Comedy)."

The second semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, hosted by Mark Watson.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

"

The second semi-final of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018, hosted by Mark Watson and recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Acts are: Chloe Green, Isa Bonachera, Mamoun Elagab, Thanyia Moore and Tom Mayhew.

The judges are comedians Angela Barnes, Marcus Brigstocke and Julia McKenzie (Executive Editor, BBC Studios Radio Comedy)."

The final of the 2018 BBC New Comedy Award, live from Edinburgh.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

"

Host Mark Watson will be joined by an expert panel of judges comprised of stalwarts of the comedy world, including Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy on Radio 4, as six of the UK's most exciting new comedy acts compete for the coveted title.

The winner of this year's competition will take home £1000 and a 15 minute script commission from BBC Studios. Past winners and finalists of the BBC New Comedy Award include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Josie Long, and Nina Conti.

Producer: Lyndsay Fenner

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4."

The results of the BBC New Comedy Award 2018 final, live from Edinburgh.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

"

Host Mark Watson will be joined by an expert panel of judges comprised of stalwarts of the comedy world, including Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy on Radio 4, who will announce the winner of the coveted title.

Featuring a set from 2014 BBC New Comedy Award winner and current Britain's Got Talent champion Lost Voice Guy (aka Lee Ridley).

The winner of this year's competition will take home £1000 and a 15 minute script commission from BBC Studios. Past winners and finalists of the BBC New Comedy Award include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Josie Long, and Nina Conti.

Producer: Lyndsay Fenner

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4."

The first heat of BBC Introducing Radio 4 Award 2019, recorded at Up the Creek Comedy Club in London and hosted by Jen Brister. Ten new acts compete for a place in the Edinburgh semi-final of this prestigious new act competition.

Acts are:

Tom Elwes, Luke Chilton, Kemah Bob, Jamie D Souza, Gbemi Oladipo, Simone Belshaw, Anna Savoury, Sotonye Ogan, David Regan and Danielle Grufferty.

The judges are: Becky Singh (Director of Funny Women Award), BBC Executive Producer ALEXANDRA SMITH and comedian and writer Dane Baptiste.

Produced by ADNAN AHMED. A BBC Studios production.

Photo: Idil Sukan

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK.The first heat of BBC Introducing Radio 4 Award 2019, recorded at Up the Creek Comedy Club in London and hosted by Jen Brister. Ten new acts compete for a place in the Edinburgh semi-final of this prestigious new act competition.

'

The second heat of BBC Introducing Radio 4 Award 2019, recorded at Up the Creek Comedy Club in London and hosted by Sarah Keyworth. Ten new acts compete for a place in the Edinburgh semi-final of this prestigious new act competition.

The acts featured are:

Alex Franklin

Chloe Petts

Esther Manito

Hubert Mayr

Joe Hobbs

Luke Craig

Ophelie Hocquard

Rajiv Karia

Sian Docksey

Sid Singh

The judges are: Steve Bennett (from Comedy Website Chortle), BBC Executive Producer ALEXANDRA SMITH and comedian and writer HOLLY WALSH.

Produced by ADNAN AHMED. A BBC Studios production.

The nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Photo: Matt Crockett

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The third heat of BBC Introducing Radio 4 Award 2019, recorded at The Y in Leicester and hosted by Lloyd Griffith. Ten new acts compete for a place in the Edinburgh semi-final of this prestigious new act competition.

The acts featured are:

Abbie Edwards

Adam Beardsmore

David Eagle

Donald Alexander

Eleanor Colville

Stuart McPherson

Helena Langdon

Liz Guterbock

Nathan Roberts

Vlad Ilich

The judges are: Geoff Rowe (Director of Leicester Comedy Festival), BBC Executive Producer ALEXANDRA SMITH and comedian and writer ANGELA BARNES.

Produced by ADNAN AHMED. A BBC Studios production.

The fourth heat of BBC Introducing Radio 4 Award 2019, recorded at The Comedy Store in Manchester and hosted by Chris Washington. The best new acts compete for a place in the Edinburgh semi-final of this prestigious new act competition.

The acts featured are:

Bryan Ghosh

Aideen McQueen

Craig Kinloch

Hannah Platt

Josh Jones

Sham Zaman

Alfie Packham

Kate Cheka

Eleanor Ruth

Adrian Lancini

The judges are: Mark Boosey from British Comedy Guide,, BBC Executive Producer ALEXANDRA SMITH and comedian and writer JANICE CONNOLLY.

Produced by ADNAN AHMED. A BBC Studios production.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The final heat of BBC Introducing Radio 4 Award 2019, recorded at The Glee Club in Cardiff and hosted by Robin Morgan.

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK.

PLUS we reveal the final contenders, who'll be progressing through to this year's semi finals in Edinburgh.

The acts featured are:

Adam Flood

Arielle Souma

Tom Lawrinson

Andy Bucks

Mo Omar

Robin Allender

Freya Mallard

Hannah Fairweather

Janine Harouni

The judges are: Mark Boosey from British Comedy Guide, from BBC Studios Alexandra Smith and comedian and writer Lloyd Langford.

Produced by Adnan Ahmed. A BBC Studios production.

The nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The first semi-final of the BBC Introducing Radio 4 Comedy Award 2019, hosted by Mark Watson and recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Listen as acts progress to this years live final, taking place on Thursday 15th August.

Semi Finalists: Hannah Platt, Mo Omar, Luke Chilton, Janine Harouni and Helena Langdon.

The judges are comedians Shappi Korshandi, Tom Rosenthal and Julia McKenzie (Executive Editor, BBC Studios Radio Comedy).

Producer: Adnan Ahmed for BBC Studios

The nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The second semi-final of the BBC Introducing Radio 4 Comedy Award 2019, hosted by Mark Watson and recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Listen as acts progress to this years live final, taking place on Thursday 15th August.

Semi Finalists: Donald Alexander, Joe Hobbs, Hannah Fairweather Kemah Bob and Josh Jones.

The judges include comedians Kiri Pritchard McLean, Stephen K. Amos and Julia McKenzie (Executive Editor, BBC Studios, Radio Comedy).

Producer: Adnan Ahmed for BBC Studios

The nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Semi Finalists: Donald Alexander, Joe Hobbs, Hannah Fairweather, Kemah Bob and Josh Jones.

The judges include comedian Stephen K. Amos with Julia McKenzie and Alex Smith from BBC Studios, Radio Comedy.

The results of the BBC Introducing Radio 4 Comedy Award 2019 final, live from Edinburgh.

Host Mark Watson will be joined by an expert panel of judges comprised of stalwarts of the comedy world, including Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy on Radio 4, who will announce the winner of the coveted title.

Who will follow in the footsteps of recent winners Angela Barnes, Lost Voice Guy and Stephen Buchanan?

Featuring guest sets from musical duo Flo and Joan and last year's winner Stephen Buchanan.

Producer: Adnan Ahmed

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4.

Who will be crowned winner in 2019 in Edinburgh?

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

Host Mark Watson will be joined by an expert panel of judges comprised of stalwarts of the comedy world, including Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy on Radio 4, as five of the UK's most exciting new comedy acts compete for the coveted title.

The winner of this year's competition will take home £1000 and a 15-minute script commission from BBC Studios. Past winners and finalists of the BBC New Comedy Award include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Josie Long and Nina Conti.

The live final in the search for the next comedy superstar.

Host Mark Watson will be joined by an expert panel of judges comprised of stalwarts of the comedy world, including Zoe Lyons, Nina Conti, Simon Evans and Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy on Radio 4, as five of the UK's most exciting new comedy acts compete for the coveted title.

The winner of this year's competition will take home £1000 and a 15-minute script commission from BBC Studios. Past winners and finalists of the BBC New Comedy Award include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Josie Long, and Lost Voice Guy.

This year's finalists: Mo Omar, Janine Harouni, Josh Jones, Donald Alexander and Hannah Platt.

The results of the BBC Introducing Radio 4 Comedy Award 2019 final, live from Edinburgh.

Host Mark Watson will be joined by an expert panel of judges comprised of stalwarts of the comedy world, including Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy on Radio 4, who will announce the winner of the coveted title.

Who will follow in the footsteps of recent winners Angela Barnes, Lost Voice Guy and Stephen Buchanan?

Featuring guest sets from musical duo Flo and Joan and last year's winner Stephen Buchanan.

Producer: Adnan Ahmed

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4.

Who will be crowned winner in 2019 in Edinburgh?

A nationwide search to find the best new stand-up talent in the UK

The winner of this year's competition will take home £1000 and a 15-minute script commission from BBC Studios. Past winners and finalists of the BBC New Comedy Award include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Josie Long and Nina Conti.

The live final in the search for the next comedy superstar.