Chortle Student Comedy Award Semi Final

If you are looking to catch the next wave of comedy talent before they break big, mark your calendar for Sunday, March 1, 2026. Komedia in Brighton is hosting the Semi Final of the prestigious Chortle Student Comedy Award, an event that has a formidable reputation for finding new voices in the UK comedy scene.

This isn't just a regular open mic night; the Chortle Award has a serious track record. Previous winners and finalists include names you definitely know, like Joe Lycett, Phil Wang, Ed Gamble, Richard Gadd, Chris Ramsey, Iain Stirling, Ania Magliano, and Simon Bird. The semi-final is where you get to see who might join that list next. The evening will feature around a dozen acts, all competing intensely for one of the coveted spots in the 2026 final. It’s a chance to see raw, emerging talent under pressure, which usually makes for a really exciting night of comedy.

The event is taking place in the Komedia Studio, offering a slightly more intimate setting within the venue. If you plan on attending, the doors open at 7:00 PM, and the competition itself starts at 7:30 PM. Seating is unreserved cabaret style, so if you have a preference for where you sit, arriving closer to the door time is probably a good idea. Komedia, being a premier independent entertainment venue, will have its full menu available, meaning you can grab food and drinks while you watch the acts perform. Just keep in mind that the minimum age for entry is 16+. It sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday evening supporting the future stars of comedy right here in Brighton.