Ricky Gervais Launches Nationwide Search for Britain's Next Comedy Star

Ricky Gervais, the acclaimed comedian and co-owner of Dutch Barn Vodka, has announced an exciting new competition titled "The Spirit of Comedy". This nationwide talent search aims to discover the UK’s second funniest person, with the winner receiving a cash prize and the opportunity to perform alongside Gervais at a major event in London.

Key Takeaways

• Competition Name: The Spirit of Comedy

• Launch Date: May 2025

• Locations: 20 towns and cities across the UK

• Grand Final: 1 October 2025 in London

• Prize: £5,000 and a performance slot at OVO Arena Wembley

Overview of The Spirit of Comedy

The Spirit of Comedy is set to kick off in May 2025, with regional heats taking place in 20 towns and cities across the UK. The competition aims to unearth new comedic talent and provide a platform for aspiring comedians to showcase their skills. The grand final will be held in London on 1 October 2025, where the ultimate winner will be crowned.

Competition Structure

The competition will unfold in several stages:

1. First Round: May to July 2025, featuring heats in various locations including Cardiff and Manchester.

2. Second Round: August and September 2025, narrowing down the contestants to five towns and cities.

3. Final Round: The grand finale will take place on 1 October 2025 in London.

Prizes and Opportunities

The winner of The Spirit of Comedy will receive:

• A cash prize of £5,000.

• An invitation to open for Ricky Gervais at the OVO Arena Wembley on 15 November 2025.

Additionally, all participants will have the chance to gain exposure through highlights broadcasted on the Dutch Barn YouTube channel. Judging will involve a combination of audience voting and expert panels, ensuring a fair and engaging competition.

Community Engagement

Beyond the competition, The Spirit of Comedy aims to foster a community for comedy lovers. Attendees at the events will be welcomed with a complimentary Dutch Barn cocktail, enhancing the overall experience. Gervais expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "As well as trying to make Dutch Barn a billion-dollar global brand, we thought we might as well try to find Britain’s second greatest comic."

Conclusion

With The Spirit of Comedy, Ricky Gervais is not only looking to discover new comedic talent but also to create a vibrant community around comedy. This initiative promises to be an exciting journey for both participants and audiences alike, as they search for the next big name in British comedy. Aspiring comedians are encouraged to apply by submitting a short clip of their act at the official Dutch Barn website.

Sources

• Ricky Gervais launches search to discover 'Britain’s second greatest comic', Nation.Cymru.

• Ricky Gervais Launches Hunt for “Britain’s Second Funniest Person”, Belfast News Letter.

• Ricky Gervais launches hunt for “Britain’s second funniest person”, Derbyshire Times.