New Act Competition 2026 - Grand Final
Date: Sunday 19th April, 2026
Venue: Old Theatre Royal
Doors: 6.30pm for 7.30pm show
Duration: ~3hrs incl intervals
Price: £17.50 / £15 concs (see below *)
The Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition sees around 100 of the best up-and-coming comics in the UK compete for the title.
After nine heats, twelve of the best acts battle it out in tonight's Grand Final at the splendid Old Theatre Royal - judged by a panel comprising comedy industry heavyweights including Jill Edwards, Alan Nixon, Mark Robson and Bath Comedy Festival Director Nick Steel, plus guest judge Angie Belcher - an award-winning facilitator, coach and stand-up comedian.
The MC for tonight's final is Mark Maier - multi-talented award-winning writer, teacher and highly sought after stand-up performer on both the national and international comedy circuits, with many TV and Radio credits to his name. Winner of British Performer Of The Year with the highest paying prize for Comedy in the UK. "Playful, intelligent and very funny" - Rory Bremner.
There will also be a performance from last year's winner Madeleine Brettingham while the judges deliberate!
The winner will be presented with the coveted Bath Comedy New Act Of The Year Award, receive £250 and guaranteed paid gigs throughout the following year.
Notable previous finalists include Madeleine Brettingham, Luke Richards, Mark Flynn, Kev Mud, Adam Flood, Bennet Kavanagh, David Eagle, Sunjai Arif, Tamar Broadbent, Archie Maddocks, Larry Dean, Garrett Millerick, Rob Beckett, Joe Lycett, Matt Richardson, Mickey Sharma, Lindsay Sharman, Harriet Kemsley and James Alderson.
Venue: Old Theatre Royal, 12 Old Orchard Street, Bath BA1 1JU
Photos by: Kerrianne Gauld and Adrian Feeney
Booking: Ticketlight
Tel: 0844 888 9991
Online booking: https://bath-international-comedy-festival.ticketlight.co.uk/order/gateway/13379072
Alternative booking: Bath Box Office
Tel: 01225 463362
Online booking: https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/whats-on/new-act-competition-2026-grand-final-fc37
Bath Box Office
The Forum, 1a Forum Buildings,
St James Parade, Bath BA1 1UG
Alternative booking: BATH COMEDY NO-FEE TICKET PORTAL
Online booking: https://bathcomedy.square.site/product/new-act-competition-2026-grand-final/UEOPHVMY3AWZFNNCWZ2NRAJW
Buy from the Bath Comedy ticket shop
and save money. (No physical ticket pickup required)
For other ways to buy tickets and alternative box offices see How To Book
Note: Bath Box Office fees:
10% booking fee, per ticket: £1.75 £1 Transaction fee, per booking.
* Concessions: Students, unwaged or Friends of the Festival only, ID required on door
