So You Think You’re Funny?: The 2023 finalists

So You Think You’re Funny?, the UK’s most prestigious comedy competition is back. After a series of heats and showcases, the lineup of ten finalists set to take part in Gilded Balloon’s legendary stand-up showcase has been confirmed.

Selected from a pool of 400 applicants, 2023’s So You Think You’re Funny? Finalists are Alex Lennox, Archit Goenka, Carwyn Blayney, Chantel Nash, Christopher Donovan, Cormac Sinnott, Lauren Carroll, Lizzie Norm, Samira Banks and Sophie Gerrad.

Entrants are unsigned and required to have played fewer than fifteen spots, meaning that each seven-minute slot will be delivered by a truly up-and-coming talent. This year's judging panel includes Fred MacAulay, Rufus Hound and Gilded Balloon’s Karen Koren.

The Grand Final takes place on Aug 24 at 7.30pm at Gilded Balloon Teviot, and will see former winner Maisie Adam MCing the evening, and the crowning of the UK’s next big name in comedy. The winner will receive a cash prize, and a fully paid-for solo show run in the Gilded Balloon’s Fringe program, as well as paid performance slots at Glee Birmingham, the Comedy Arena at Latitude Festival, and Just For Laughs London. Champions also receive a recording and edit of their debut solo shows and a headshot session for use in their show reel. The rewards, and lucrative victory lap, contributed to the careers of household names Lee Mack, Peter Kay, and Tommy Tiernan, all SYTYF alumni.

Founded in 1988, this Fringe institution has platformed rising talent over the years with the list of past winners and finalists including Aisling Bea, Fern Brady, Ivo Graham, Romesh Ranganathan and Sara Pascoe, so get yourself down to Gilded Balloon for the Grand Final on 24 August for a chance to see the cutting edge of the UK comedy circuit.

---

So You Think You're Funny? Grand Final, Gilded Balloon Teviot (Debating Hall), 24 Aug, 7.30pm, £14.50-15.50