Hackney Empire New Act of the Year
Encyclopedia
The Hackney Empire New Act of the Year was a long-running annual competition that ran at the Hackney Empire
theatre in London
in order to encourage, discover and promote new stand-up comedy
and New Variety
talent. It has now left the environs of the Hackney Empire and continues at various venues throughout London, and will be at the Shaw Theatre The Shaw Theatre January 21 2012
There is also a show called Best of New Act of The Year held later in the year, featuring the best acts from the final.
and the 2012 final will be presented at The Shaw Theatre The Shaw Theatre on Saturday January 21 2012.
Previous winners include Stewart Lee
, Ardal O'Hanlon
and Linda Smith
. Eddie Izzard
only came third. Harry Hill
is often quoted as a winner, but in fact was only a finalist. The final has been compered for many years by Arthur Smith
. The 2006 final was considered to be "the best since 1994" according to William Cook of The Guardian
and after the 2011 final, Bruce Dessau of the 'London Evening Standard' wrote ‘…..confirming that there is more to the current comedy boom than Michael McIntyre wannabes exploring their man-drawers’ and Arthur Smith said of the night ‘I cannot recall another line up with a more eclectic range of styles and delivery’Arthur Smith (comedian)
Other quotes:
‘This award has become a comedy institution. Past finalists have gone on to become household names. Presenting the pick of the crop’ Chortle (UK's premier comedy website)
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1994
1993
1991
1990
1989
1987
Hackney Empire
The Hackney Empire is a theatre on Mare Street, in the London Borough of Hackney, built in 1901 as a music hall.-History:Hackney Empire is a grade II* listed building...
theatre in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
in order to encourage, discover and promote new stand-up comedy
Stand-up comedy
Stand-up comedy is a comedic art form. Usually, a comedian performs in front of a live audience, speaking directly to them. Their performances are sometimes filmed for later release via DVD, the internet, and television...
and New Variety
New Variety
The New Variety was a Chicago-based cabaret produced by Thom Goodman and Richard O’Donnell in the 1990s. It was a fast-paced, ever-changing volley of acts that included award-winning jugglers, fire-eaters, stand-up comedy, singers, musicians, and sketch comedy troupes.-History:In February 1992,...
talent. It has now left the environs of the Hackney Empire and continues at various venues throughout London, and will be at the Shaw Theatre The Shaw Theatre January 21 2012
There is also a show called Best of New Act of The Year held later in the year, featuring the best acts from the final.
History
Roland and Claire Muldoon, of underground revolutionary theatre group CAST, pioneered "new variety", auditioning many of the acts that became the new wave of comedy and performance in the UK. The process evolved into the New Act of the Year Show produced by Claire and compered by Roland from 1982. In 1986 they took over the Hackney Empire and ran the NATY from 1987 (Linda Smith winning that year's award). It is currently produced by their new organisation, New Variety Lives http://www.newvarietylives.co.uk, the 2011 final was held at the Barbican TheatreBarbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is the largest performing arts centre in Europe. Located in the City of London, England, the Centre hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. It also houses a library, three restaurants, and a conservatory...
and the 2012 final will be presented at The Shaw Theatre The Shaw Theatre on Saturday January 21 2012.
Previous winners include Stewart Lee
Stewart Lee
Stewart Lee is an English stand-up comedian, writer and director known for being one half of the 1990s comedy duo Lee and Herring, and for co-writing and directing the critically acclaimed and controversial stage show Jerry Springer - The Opera...
, Ardal O'Hanlon
Ardal O'Hanlon
Ardal O'Hanlon is an Irish comedian and actor, best known for his roles in television sitcoms as Father Dougal McGuire in Father Ted and George Sunday in My Hero.-Early life:...
and Linda Smith
Linda Smith (comedian)
Linda Helen Smith was a British stand-up comic and comedy writer. She appeared regularly on Radio 4 panel games, and was voted "Wittiest Living Person" by listeners in 2002...
. Eddie Izzard
Eddie Izzard
Edward John "Eddie" Izzard is a British stand-up comedian and actor. His comedy style takes the form of rambling, whimsical monologue and self-referential pantomime...
only came third. Harry Hill
Harry Hill
Harry Hill , is a Perrier Award–winning English comedian, author and television presenter. A former medical doctor , Hill began his career in comedy with the popular radio show Harry Hill's Fruit Corner.-Personal life:Hill was born in Woking,...
is often quoted as a winner, but in fact was only a finalist. The final has been compered for many years by Arthur Smith
Arthur Smith (comedian)
Brian Arthur John Smith is an English alternative comedian and writer. He was born in Bermondsey, South London, brother to Richard Smith...
. The 2006 final was considered to be "the best since 1994" according to William Cook of The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
and after the 2011 final, Bruce Dessau of the 'London Evening Standard' wrote ‘…..confirming that there is more to the current comedy boom than Michael McIntyre wannabes exploring their man-drawers’ and Arthur Smith said of the night ‘I cannot recall another line up with a more eclectic range of styles and delivery’Arthur Smith (comedian)
Arthur Smith (comedian)
Brian Arthur John Smith is an English alternative comedian and writer. He was born in Bermondsey, South London, brother to Richard Smith...
Other quotes:
‘This award has become a comedy institution. Past finalists have gone on to become household names. Presenting the pick of the crop’ Chortle (UK's premier comedy website)
Rules and eligibility
Entrants must have performed for two years and have recommendations from two established promoters/agents/venues.Winners & finalists
2011- David Mills - winner
- Prince Abdi + Julian Deane - Joint Second Place
- Darius Davies - Third Place
- Jav JarquinJav JarquinJavier Antonio Jarquin is a New Zealand stand-up comedian.Jarquin spent the last 5 years working as a professional comedian in New Zealand...
- Fourth Place - Nat Tapley
- Steve Aruni & Henry The Hoover
- Asian Provocateurs
- Joe Wells
- Rachel Parris
- David Trent
- Tania Edwards
- McNeil & Pamphilon
- How do I get up there?
2010
- Abandoman - winner
- Inel Tomlinson - second place
- Frisky & Mannish - third place
- Andrew Ryan - fourth place
- Luke Benson
- Jo Selby as Tatiana Ostrakova
- Luke Graves
- Giacinto Palmieri
- Val Lee
- Nathaniel Metcalfe
- Alan Hudson
- Dave Gibson
- Alyssa Kyria as Ariadne the Greek WAG
- Richard Rycroft
- Sir Harold Hackney, Alternative Mayor of London
2009
- Fergus CraigFergus CraigFergus Craig in Sunderland is a British stand-up comic and actor in theatre, television and radio . He studied at the University of Manchester....
- winner - Seann WalshSeann WalshSeann Walsh is a young English comedian signed to Off the Kerb Management. He is a graduate of Jill Edwards' Comedy workshop and performed his first gig in November 2006. He has won several awards, including Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year and Chortle Best Newcomer . Walsh has supported...
- second place - David James - third place
- Ross Ashcroft
- Ro Campbell
- Gary Colman
- Jon Kudlick
- Lady Garden
- Grainne Maguire
- Moonfish Rhumba
- Craig Murray
- Colin Owens
- Jim Park
- Jason Patterson
- Piff the Magic Dragon
- Ahir Shah
2008
- Steve Weiner - winner
- Pippa EvansPippa EvansPippa Evans is a British comedian, known for her work in character and improvisational comedy.Having studied Drama and Theatre Arts at Birmingham University, she became a member of Scratch improvisation comedy troupe, and appeared in Newsrevue, a topical comedy show at London's Canal Cafe Theatre...
as Loretta Maine - second place - Andi OshoAndi OshoAndi Osho is a British comedian and actress.In an interview for BBC Radio 4 Extra's 'MacAuley & Co' in 2011 at the Edinburgh Festival, Broadcast on August 16th 2011; Osho confirmed her age to be 38 on several occasions....
- third place- Rachel Boxall
- Dylan Bray
- Pat Burtscher
- Brothers Gribble
- The Heresy Project
- Gerry Howell
- Emannual Kenallos as Manos the Greek
- Frank Sanazi
- Kate Smurthwaite
- Christian Steel
- Vikki StoneVikki StoneVikki Stone is a comedian, actor and musician, and in 2011 was listed by The Observer as one of the Top 5 Comedians to see at the Edinburgh Festival....
- Jack WhitehallJack WhitehallJack Peter Benedict Whitehall is an English comedian, television presenter and actor, best known for hosting the E4 show Big Brother's Big Mouth in 2008, Celebrity Big Brother's Big Mouth in January 2009, and the Channel 4 topical entertainment show the TNT Show.-Early life:Whitehall was born in...
- Imran YusufImran YusufImran Yusuf is a British stand-up comedian. Yusuf came to notice following rave reviews and a Best Newcomer nomination for the at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2010 and appearing on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, both in the summer of 2010.-Early life and career:Yusuf is a kokni Muslim born...
2007
- Luke Toulson - winner
- Liz CarrLiz CarrLiz Carr is a British actor, stand-up comedian, television presenter and international disability rights activist. She frequently refers to her disability in her stand up, and is frank about the difficulties inherent in doing so - "I've had some tuts, which is fantastic.....
- second place - Gareth Richards - third place
- Crispin Flintoff - runner up
- Christian LeeChristian LeeChristian Lee is an English professional footballer. He made over 140 appearances in Football League and Football Conference between 1995 and 2005.-Career:...
-runner up - Isma Almas
- Evie Anderson
- Tamika Campbell
- Matt Grantham
- Dan Hoy
- Joe Kay
- Teak Show
- Holly WalshHolly Walsh (comedian)Holly Walsh is an English comedian and comedy writer from Guildford in Surrey, known mainly for her work on TV and radio in the UK.- Early life :...
- David Whitney
- Maureen Younger
2006
- Joe Wilkinson - winner
- Diane Morgan - second place
- Stuart GoldsmithStuart GoldsmithStuart Goldsmith is a UK-based actor, stand-up comedian and street performer.Goldsmith plays the role of Caleb in the CBBC sci-fi gameshow Mission: 2110.Goldsmith is also a stand-up comedian...
- third place- Paul H Allen
- Matt Devereux
- Duncan Edwards
- Michael Fabbri
- Helen KeenHelen KeenHelen Keen is an English alternative comedian and writer born in Yorkshire, now living in London.-Career:In 2005, along with writing partner Miriam Underhill, she won the first Channel 4 New Comedy Writing Initiative award. Judges included station executives, as well as Annie Griffin, Victoria...
- Sarah-Louise Young
- Martine Pepper
- Ray Presto
- Stanley Silver
- Al Stick
- Tomi WalamiesTomi WalamiesTomi Walamies is a Finnish stand-up comedian based in London known for his dead-pan delivery. Tomi came third in the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year competition in 2006 and has since become a regular fixture on the London comedy scene and is set to perform his first solo show "Finnished...
- Robert White
2005
- Henning WehnHenning WehnHenning Wehn is a German stand-up comedian based in London.-Career:Since October 2003 Wehn has been self-styled the "German Comedy Ambassador in London"...
- winner - Matt GreenMatt Green (actor)Matt Green is an English actor and comedian. He was the President of the Cambridge Footlights from 1999-2000. Since graduating in 2000 he has worked as an actor and comedian based in London.- Stand-up comedy :Matt started performing stand up comedy in 2003...
- second place - Papa CJPapa CJPapa CJ is a stand-up comedian from India. With over 1000 shows under his belt, he is widely recognised as the global face of cutting-edge Indian stand-up comedy and one of Asia’s leading comedians. He has toured sell-out shows across four continents and in Oct 2011 he taped a Showtime USA Stand-up...
- third place- Gareth Berliner
- Simon BrodkinSimon BrodkinSimon Brodkin is a British comedian who performs on the stand-up circuit and in comedy television series. He is best known for playing a character called Lee Nelson, but also performs as other comedy characters...
as Lee Nelson - Stephen CarlinStephen CarlinStephen Carlin is a Scottish-born stand-up comedian, now living in London. Carlin is popular on the UK comedy scene for his intricate knowledge of international snooker and accomplished writing and performance. He was named by Stewart Lee as one of the 'Ten Best Comedians In The World Ever'...
- Janice Phayre
- Griff Griffiths
- Simon Green & James Connelly
2004
- Peter Aterman – winner
- Kerry GodlimanKerry Godliman-Television:She has appeared in Law of the Playground, Spoons, Rush Hour, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and Home Time.She appears in the 2011 Birds Eye polar bear commercial for their new frozen king prawns.-External links:* at Chortle*...
- second - Ava VidalAva VidalAva Vidal is a British comedian currently living in London. She became more widely known after taking part in E4's "Kings of Comedy". Her career in comedy began on the BBC's "Urban Sketch Show". She has two children, having had her first aged 18...
– third equal- Jaik CampbellJaik CampbellJaik Campbell is a British comedian, and an Edinburgh Festival Fringe regular since 2001 and performed his first solo show "I've Stuttered So I'll F-F-Finish" in 2005...
– finalist - Roisin Conaty – finalist
- Nelson David – finalist
- James Goldbury – finalist
- Pablo – finalist
- Del Strain – finalist
- Reverend Dick Tate – finalist
- Vinell, Camel, Kiernan – finalist
- Jaik Campbell
2003
- Matt KirshenMatt KirshenMatt Kirshen is a British comedian. Kirshen has performed around the world, including Singapore, Dubai, Holland, Germany, and France. In 2007, he enjoyed a successful run in NBC's Last Comic Standing...
– winner - Rhod GilbertRhod GilbertRhodri "Rhod" Gilbert, is a Welsh comedian who was nominated in 2005 for the Perrier Best Newcomer Award. In 2008, he was nominated for the main if.comedy ....
– second- Simon AmstellSimon AmstellSimon Marc Amstell is a BAFTA nominated, award-winning English comedian, television presenter, screenwriter and actor, best known for his roles as former co-host of Popworld, former host of Never Mind the Buzzcocks and co-writer and star of the sitcom Grandma's House.-Early life:Amstell was born...
– finalist - Del Strain – finalist
- Ross Wagman - finalist
- Simon Amstell
2002
- Graham Anthony – winner
- Nina ContiNina ContiNina Conti is a British actress, comedian and ventriloquist. Her on-stage puppet sidekick is a depressed monkey named Monk.- Early life :...
– second- Steve DaySteve DaySteve Day is Britain's best known deaf stand-up comedian.-Stand-up comedy:Day was a finalist in the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award in 2000, and a finalist in the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year in 2002....
– finalist - Henrik Elmer - finalist
- Vicky Frango – finalist
- Patrick MonahanPatrick Monahan (comedian)Patrick Monahan is an Irish-Iranian stand-up comedian born to an Irish father and an Iranian mother. He has performed at seven Edinburgh Festival Fringes, including five solo shows, and appeared multiple times on The Paul O'Grady Show...
– finalist - Dave Palmer aka Dave Dynamite – finalist
- Verity Welch - finalist
- Graeme Casey - finalist
- Steve Day
2001
- Men in Coats – winner
- Rob DeeringRob DeeringRob Deering is an English stand-up comedian, guitarist and writer.Deering was the host and writer of three series of Out to Lunch on BBC Radio 2...
– second - Les Hommes Sans Noms (Andy Sinclair and Jim Woodcock- finalist
- James Holmes – finalist
- Inder ManochaInder Manocha-Early life:Born in London to Indian parents, Manocha read Modern History at Jesus College, Oxford University and worked in international relations and as a therapist before deciding to work professionally in comedy and acting in 2001...
- finalist - Adrian PoyntonAdrian PoyntonAdrian Poynton is a British screenwriter, playwright, stand up comedian and actor.He is the creator and writer of BBC Three sitcom White Van Man starring Will Mellor, Georgia Moffett and Clive Mantle. It began screening in March 2011 becoming the highest rated launch ever for a sitcom on BBC3...
- finalist
- Rob Deering
2000
- Paul Hickman – winner
- Mark Felgate – second
- Russell BrandRussell BrandRussell Edward Brand is an English comedian, actor, columnist, singer, author and radio/television presenter.Brand achieved mainstream fame in the UK in 2004 for his role as host of Big Brother spin-off, Big Brother's Big Mouth. His first major film role was in the 2007 film St Trinians...
– finalist
- Russell Brand
-
- Francesca MartinezFrancesca MartinezFrancesca Martinez is an English stand-up comedienne and actress. She has toured internationally, including sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival, the Melbourne Comedy Festival and the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal...
– finalist - The Funjabis – finalist
- Francesca Martinez
1999
- Paul SinhaPaul SinhaPaul Sinha is a British stand-up comedian and broadcaster. Sinha is openly gay, a subject he has discussed on stage.-Education:Sinha was educated at Dulwich College and St George's Hospital Medical School...
– runner-up- Mary Bourke – finalist
- Shirley Goorwich - finalist
1998
- Hitchcock’s Half Hour (Neil ColeNeil ColeNeil Cole is an English television presenter, comedian, radio broadcaster and actor.-Early life:Cole was born in Bristol in 1972, and attended King Edward Grammar School in Chelmsford...
and Tom Hillenbrand) - winner - Daniel KitsonDaniel KitsonDaniel Kitson is an English stand-up comedian.-Career:Born to a lecturer father and primary school head teacher mother, Kitson began performing comedy at the age of 16. He was a pupil at Scissett Middle School and Shelley College in Yorkshire, England...
-second - Jocelyn Jee EsienJocelyn Jee EsienJocelyn Jee Esien is a Black British comedian, of Nigerian origin, perhaps best known for her part in the hidden camera show 3 Non Blondes, and her own comedy sketch show, Little Miss Jocelyn.-Biography:...
- third- Catherine TateCatherine TateCatherine Tate is an English actress, writer, and comedian. She has won numerous awards for her work on the sketch comedy series The Catherine Tate Show as well as being nominated for an International Emmy Award and four BAFTA Awards...
- finalist - Susan Vale - finalist
- Mickey Flanagan - finalist
- Catherine Tate
1997
- Jon Reed – winner
- The Fluffy Brothers
1996
- Noel Britten – winner
- Gina YashereGina YashereGina Obedapo Yashere is a British comedian of Nigerian descent.-Early life:Yashere was born in Bethnal Green, London, England. Her mother was an immigrant from Nigeria...
- finalist
- Gina Yashere
- Kevin Precious - Finalist
- Noel Kelly - Finalist
- Jimbo - Finalist
1994
- Ardal O'HanlonArdal O'HanlonArdal O'Hanlon is an Irish comedian and actor, best known for his roles in television sitcoms as Father Dougal McGuire in Father Ted and George Sunday in My Hero.-Early life:...
- winner - Ricky GroverRicky GroverRicky Grover is an English actor. His stepfather was an armed robber and his mother a hairdresser. Grover became a ladies' hairdresser and a boxer, before becoming a stand-up comedian, actor and occasional television presenter.-Career:Grover has appeared in television programmes including Red...
- second - Junior SimpsonJunior SimpsonJunior Simpson is a British stand up comedian, from Jamaican descent. He was born in Leagrave, a suburb of Luton, and was educated at Beechwood Primary School and Challney High School for Boys....
- third - Simon PeggSimon PeggSimon Pegg is an English actor, comedian, writer, film producer, and director. He is best known for having co-written and stared in various Edgar Wright features, mainly Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and the comedy series Spaced.He also portrayed Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in the 2009 Star Trek film...
- Finalist
1993
- Ronnie Ancona - winner
- Tim VineTim VineTimothy "Tim" Mark Vine is an English actor, writer and comedian. He has released a number of DVDs of his stand-up comedy, as well as starring in the successful series Not Going Out with Lee Mack on the BBC...
– runner-up- Pommy JohnsonPommy JohnsonPommy Johnson is a comedian from Australia.He was voted Australian comedian of the Year 2002 at the Maurie Awards, held at the Comic Lounge.His real name is Colin and he's rather tall....
- finalist - Simon LipsonSimon LipsonSimon Lipson is an actor, writer, comedian and impressionist from England.His radio career has included being lead impressionist on BBC Radio 5 Live's The Game's Up, regular presenter and impressionist on Interesting...Very Interesting, Radio 4's Dead Ringers, a regular panelist on BBC Radio 2's...
- finalist - Ben MillerBen MillerBennet Evan "Ben" Miller is an English comedian, actor and director. He is perhaps best known as one half of comedy double act Armstrong and Miller, along with Alexander Armstrong. Together the pair wrote and starred in Channel 4 sketch show Armstrong and Miller, and the more recent BBC television...
- finalist - Jack RussellJack RussellJack Russell is the name of:* Jack Russell , a fictional Marvel Comics character* Jack Russell Terrier, a type of dog- People :* Jack "Russer" Russell , traveler* Jack Russell , American baseball player...
- finalist
- Pommy Johnson
1991
- Paul TonkinsonPaul TonkinsonPaul Tonkinson is an English radio presenter and television personality. He is perhaps best known for his work presenting on The Big Breakfast and The Sunday Show and his appearances on list programmes where he comments on popular culture...
- winner- Nick Wilty - finalist
- Neville Raven - finalist
- Martin Davies - finalist
1990
- Stewart LeeStewart LeeStewart Lee is an English stand-up comedian, writer and director known for being one half of the 1990s comedy duo Lee and Herring, and for co-writing and directing the critically acclaimed and controversial stage show Jerry Springer - The Opera...
- winner
1989
- Keith Dover – winner
- Niall MacAnna - second
1987
- Linda SmithLinda Smith (comedian)Linda Helen Smith was a British stand-up comic and comedy writer. She appeared regularly on Radio 4 panel games, and was voted "Wittiest Living Person" by listeners in 2002...
– winner