Comedy Bloomer’s LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 is the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ comedy competition, and it returns live to The Clapham Grand on 10 June.
After six live heats across the country, we enter the semi-finals phase in London on 21 May at Sevn Dials Club and 22 May at Two Brewers. The LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2025 competition will conclude with a spectacular Grand Final on Tuesday, 10 June, at the Clapham Grand, showcasing the most promising rising stars in queer comedy.
Hosted by the brilliantly sharp-witted Matthew Ali, the final will feature seven finalists who will take the stage to compete for the highly coveted title. They will be judged by a panel of industry favourites, including presenter-comedian James Barr, Drag Race UK’s Tia Kofi, and award-winning comedians Zoe Lyons and Jessica Fostekew.
The LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year competition, organised by Comedy Bloomers, is now in its fourth year. This competition has become an essential platform for emerging LGBTQ+ voices in the comedy scene. It provides a national stage for performers whose perspectives are often overlooked in mainstream comedy.
Zoe Lyons, a judge for this year’s competition, told QX, “I am delighted to be once again part of the judging panel for the LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year. It has been a joy to see so much brilliant new talent come through this competition. I can’t wait to see what this year has to offer.”
James Barr, another judge, told us, “Hosting this competition in 2022 was truly iconic, and coming back as a judge feels like a full-circle moment. It’s amazing to see new LGBTQ+ talent light up the stage. This competition is proof that queer comedy is thriving, fearless, and fabulously funny.”
Many past finalists have gone on to appear at the Edinburgh Fringe, tour nationally, and develop their shows. This year’s final will feature a headline set from Marty Gleeson, 2024’s winner. As Marty Gleeson says, “This award opened up so many doors for me in my comedy career and put me in front of a lot of the right people in the industry. While it gave me visibility, it also gave me a huge boost of confidence in my craft. It’s a vital competition for queer voices in comedy.”
Chris Smith, the founder of Comedy Bloomers, which produces the competition, is a former TV producer and stand-up comedian. He told QX, “Our mission has always been to go beyond tokenism and offer a true platform for the very best new LGBTQ+ comedy talent. In 2025, that mission feels even more vital given the changing dynamic of global politics, and even more critical that we continue to spotlight trans talent in particular, especially in a climate that’s increasingly hostile.
“Many of the acts tackle tough but resonant themes, from gay shame and identity struggles to family rejection and internalised stereotypes. What makes them exceptional is their ability to turn pain into razor-sharp comedy that resonates with all audiences, regardless of background or orientation.
“They are incredibly skilled at turning life’s barriers into brilliant material, but those same barriers often make it harder for them to be seen. Comedy Bloomers exists to change that: to give these performers the confidence, the stage, and the support they deserve to thrive. Comedy gives power back to the performer. It’s the great equaliser, cutting through prejudice with laughter. The response to the shows has been phenomenal, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward acceptance and inclusion. This is not just a regular gig, but a genuine chance to be seen.”
In a sign of the competition’s growing cultural impact, this year’s final will be available to audiences in the UK via OUTFLIX, and internationally on OutTV across the US and Canada from 24 July 2025.
Semi-final 1 on 21 May at Seven Dials Club.
Semi-final 2 on 22 May at The Two Brewers.
Finals on 10 June at The Clapham Grand.
