Last nights New Act of The Year (now in its 30th Year) was evidence that the British comedy scene is in pretty fine fettle. 16 acts competed to be crowned 'Top Of The Bill,' rather than 'winner'- after all, they're all winners here. The NATYs have helped launch the career of many a comedian, and past finalists include the likes of Linda Smith, Andi Osho, Catherine Tate, Gina Yashere, Stewart Lee and Harry Hill.
Arthur Smith did an adept job of speeding the show along as the 16 acts took to the stage. Some fierce beat poetry (too real for you?!) from Lindsay Sharman means we'll never look at a potato in the same way (check out her blog HERE) and Anna Devitt's easy Glaswegian charm didn't disappoint.
There was a top performance from last years winner Patrick Cahill. He never wastes a word, weaving an intricate, clever set, and you can't help but get caught up in his rhythm.
While the judges were off deliberating, another rising star was seen in Sid, NATYs organiser Roland Muldoon's Jack Russell Terrier, who hilariously chased a red balloon around the stage and had the audience in fits of laughter (you can watch Sid playing fetch with himself HERE. What a dog).
Paul F Taylor's well crafted set and one liners garnered him the judges vote for 'Top Of The Bill,' and Sam Savage's perfectly honed 5min set, sharp wit and dry delivery had her in a well deserved second place. Darren Walsh placed third with his delightfully silly and crowd-pleasing brand of comedy.
So, 17 great comics, and a small dog with a red balloon. The future of comedy looks pretty rosy from here!
You can find a full list of finalists on the New Act Of The Year website HERE
Pictured: Lindsay Sharman, Paul F Taylor
