The search for the next major force in LGBTQ+ comedy reaches its climax this autumn. On Tuesday 10th November, the grand final of the Comedy Bloomers LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2026 lands at London’s iconic Comedy Store.
Now in its fifth year, the UK’s only dedicated queer comedy showcase has seen over 140 comedians compete across heats in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The finalists will take the stage for a £1,000 cash prize and career-defining industry exposure, with audiences and an expert panel deciding the winner. Host Ciara O’Connor leads the evening, which features a headline performance from last year’s winner, Sydney May.
This year’s judging panel brings together stellar comedic talent, including powerhouse comic Chloe Petts and drag superstar Tia Kofi, alongside comedians Josh Jones and James Barr.
“It is an incredible privilege to see the outstanding talent our community has to offer,” says Chloe Petts. “I feel so proud watching people exist fully as themeselves. And mainly I can’t wait to have a big laugh.”
Tia Kofi highlights the distinct versatility of queer live performance: “What I love most about queer comedy is that our stand-up sets can be political, filthy, silly, absurd, vulnerable, or completely ridiculous, and often all those things in the same five minutes! There are hundreds of emerging queer comedians out there who embody this spirit, and I cannot stress enough just how important it is to give them the platforms and opportunities to express themselves.”
Creating accessible pathways into comedy is vital. A recent survey of over 100 comedians by Comedy Bloomers revealed that only 4% found access to agents and managers accessible, while 76% cited a lack of industry connections as a primary barrier to progression.
Chris Smith, founder of Comedy Bloomers, notes: “In the comedy world, talent alone isn’t always enough to get your foot in the door and this is particularly true in queer comedy. We created this competition to give emerging LGBTQ+ comedians the platform, audience and connections they need to take that next step.”
This year’s finalists bring a rich mix of comedy spanning drag, disability, trans identity, migration, and the everyday absurdities of LGBTQ+ life. To ensure lasting impact, Comedy Bloomers’ new YouTube channel will professionally produce and stream all finalist sets. The final will also raise funds for charity partner Rainbow Migration, with viewers able to donate online.
LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2026 will be available to watch for free on Comedy Bloomers YouTube Channel from mid-November. For more information and tickets to the live final, head to their website.
