New Act of the Year 2019 Grand Final

The Grand Final of Manford's New Act of the Year 2019 hosted by Jason Manford will take place in the Opera House on Sunday 12th May . The event will see finalists from heats across the UK take to the stage to impress the judges and audience for a chance to win the inaugural New Comedy Award.

New comedians have been invited to apply to take part in the competition which features heats across the country in Southampton, Sunderland, Poynton and Matlock.

Jason Manford will be the host for the evening and will be joined by some esteemed judges to help choose the best act along with an audience vote. The winner will receive a £1000 prize, progression spots with Manford's comedy clubs, presented with an award trophy and will also be invited to appear as a guest on Jason Manford's Absolute Radio show. The runner up will receive a prize of £250 and the chance to progress with Manford's comedy clubs.

Jason Manford said "One of the best things about having a chain of comedy clubs is that I get to see the names of all the new exciting acts coming through the ranks. This competition will enable us to give these new acts a bigger leg up, and I'll get to see them all perform on the night"

There will also be lots of fun on the night from the legendary Raymond & Mr. Timpkins.

The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue simply have to be seen to be believed. They are without a doubt the maddest, silliest, stupidest, cleverest and strangest funniest double act of comedians on the circuit.

Together since 1992, their highly original performance approach has made them regulars in Universities and comedy clubs around the country, including appearances at the Edinburgh, Glastonbury, Phoenix and Reading festivals.