BBC New Comedy Awards 2024 Final Announced

The BBC New Comedy Awards 2024 have revealed their finalists, including Marie Goulbourne, who tragically passed away shortly after her performance. Out of over 1,000 entries, six comedians were selected to compete in the grand final hosted by Lucy Beaumont on November 13 at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. Head Judge Babatunde Aléshé expressed excitement over the exceptional talent showcased during the heats. The event will also feature a special performance by last year's winner, Joe Kent-Walters, also known as Frankie Monroe. In related news, the Leicester Comedy Festival has announced its ambitious 2025 program, featuring 720 shows across 72 venues, highlighting the importance of audience support for the comedy sector's recovery post-pandemic. Additionally, a report reveals that audiences in the North West are the most likely to engage with comedians by heckling or crashing stages, reflecting changing expectations for live comedy experiences.