Chortle New Comedy Search

Chortle has launched a search for the best student stand-up in Britain.

Undergraduates and graduates at universities and colleges across the country are eligible to enter the contest, which it is hoped will become an annual event.

The winner will receive a trophy, a couple of paid gigs, and the kudos associated with winnng the Chortle Student Comic 2004 title.

The final will be held in Coventry's Warwick Unviersity on February 24, the day after Chortle hands out its awards for professional comedians, in conjunction with the comedy society there.

Comic hopefuls can apply direct using the form below, or via their comedy society - if you have one. The only stipulation is that you are in full-time education and performing five minutes of material that is your own.

Chortle editor Steve Bennett said: "Most people's first experience of live comedy comes from touring stand-ups visiting their university - and it often inspires students to have a go themselves.

"Hopefully, this award will provide a focus for that talent. We're looking to find the comedy stars of the future, and give the winner a leg up on the very competitive stand-up circuit."

Closing date for entries is February 12, and for more information, visit the Warwick University Comedy Society website, or email Stacy Squib at dj_petana@hotmail.com

Theatre News

Jerry Springer The Opera has been nominated for 8 Olivier Awards

Stewart lee – Best Director
Best New Musical
Alison Jiear – Best Actress in a Musical (didn’t I tell you she was fantastic)
Michael Brandon – Best Actor in a Musical
David Badella – Best Actor in a Musical
The Chorus - Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Jenny Arnold – Best Theatre Choreography
Best Sound Design

Fantastic news, we at Comedy Lounge are absolutely thrilled for Stewart Graham Lee, Richard Thomas and the entire cast.

Hackney Empire New Act 2004

HACKNEY EMPIRE NEW ACT OF THE YEAR AUDITIONS 2004.

Auditions for the Hackney Empire New Act of The Year 2004 will take place on Saturday 24th January
and Saturday 31st January. The acts will include Stand Up omedians, double acts, comedy character acts, comedy musical acts, variety acts and comedy poets.

The audition list is now closed, and there will be over 100 entrants auditioning over these 2 days. The auditions are open to an audience of the public, and there will be an entrance charge at the door of £2.00.

Each entrant will be performing a five minute set. Compere’s will be Roland Muldoon and Tony Goodrick.

The auditions which will take place in the Hackney Empire Bullion Room Theatre (250 seats) Located directly behind the Hackney Empire (117 Wilton Way E8).

Doors 12.00 noon, Auditions start 12.30.pm. £2.00 entrance. (Info: 020 8985 2424)

Tickets for the Hackney Empire New Act of The Year final on Saturday 28th February 2004 are on sale at £8.50 from the Hackney Empire Box Office (020 8985 2424). The final will be hosted by Arthur Smith in the newly refurbished 1300 seat Hackney Empire Theatre (291 Mare Street London E8 1EJ).

Becoming a finalist in the New Act of the Year exposes the acts to the unique experience of appearing in Britain’s number one variety house. The show attracts wide media coverage and professional assessment from critics, agents, managements as well as producers of Stage and TV. The judges on the final will consist of people of high profile in the comedy world i.e. reviewers, writers, producers, promoters etc.

Winners will be invited to appear in shows, on behalf, of the Hackney Empire up to three times in the following year which will include THE BEST OF THE NEW ACT OF THE YEAR and introducing new comedy at the Edinburgh Festival 2004.