one4review | On 29, Aug 2026

Way back in 1980s Gilded Balloon Artistic Director Grande Karen Koren came up with the concept of this annual competition, a contest that has helped made household names of a multitude of aspiring comics who previously won, or at least came very close to doing so, hence it was no wonder that the Debating Hall at the Gilded Balloon in Teviot House was packed out for the 39th final.
Following auditions and heats throughout the country the final ten took to the stage, all no doubt hoping to add their names to the alumni list. Each had less than ten minutes to shine and grasp it they did.
The whole 2hrs 30mins marathon was ably hosted by Laura Lexx, her role to explain the content and warm up the crowd prior to introducing each comic in turn.
The 10 contestants were Joshua Khoury, Naph, Matilda Humphreys, Chris Byfield, Sarah Dungworth, Bobby Jethro, Victoria Blunt, Lucas Jones Ho, Sarah Lewis and Omar Bouzad, who each did their sets, each one was well received by the audience, and laughter was free flowing throughout.
Their work done, it was down to the illustrious panel of judges to deliberate the outcome of this close contest so while Karen Koren, Katy Koren, Bruce Dessau , Angela Squire, Julia Chamberlain and Nina Conti were deciding the outcome Laura Lexx was obviously on hand to entertain, and a grand job she did.
Once complete the announcement was delivered by Nina Conti with the runners up, Lucas Jones Ho and Sarah Lewis, equal 3rd, Bobby Jethro in 2nd and the worthy overall winner Joshua Khoury.
Congratulations to all, and thanks also for the smooth running of such a marathon event from the whole team behind the scenes.

Reviewed by Geoff