Roman Harris Crowned Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian 2025

Roman Harris has triumphed at the prestigious Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year 2025 competition, securing the top prize. The comedian, who recently transitioned to pursuing comedy full-time after a decade as a firefighter, delivered a compelling performance that resonated with the judges and audience alike.

Key Takeaways

• Roman Harris won the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year 2025.

• He received a £1,500 prize and a unique pigeon racing trophy.

• Lizzie Simpson was awarded second place, with Dom McGovern taking third.

• Over 300 comedians entered the competition, with 14 finalists performing.

A Journey of Emotion and Dedication

Harris's victory was marked by a deeply personal acceptance speech. He shared that his mother, who he credited as a significant source of support, was unable to attend the ceremony. The win came during a momentous year for Harris, which also saw him leave the Fire Service after 15 years to focus on comedy and the loss of his father.

"Comedy is a big release for me because life gets heavy and we all need to laugh, but this [stand-up] is one of the hardest things that I think anyone can do," Harris stated, reflecting on his journey. "I was a firefighter for over 10 years but, genuinely, getting on stage, doing this and making people laugh is massive."

He emphasized the profound meaning of audience laughter, describing it as validation that "something was executed, something got it right." Harris also acknowledged the shared struggles of all comedians, noting the continuous work, open mic nights, and inevitable "bombing" that precedes success.

The Competition

The final, held on Saturday, January 10th, saw 14 comedians compete for the title. Each act was given five minutes to impress the panel of judges, which included industry figures such as Mark Boosey, Bruce Dessau, and David Hardcastle. The competition began with over 300 entrants, with knockout heats narrowing the field.

Lizzie Simpson secured the runner-up position, earning £500, while Dom McGovern claimed third place and a £250 prize. The event was hosted by Sam Nicoresti, with last year's winner, Rohan Sharma, also performing a set.

Finalists

The other comedians who reached the final were Ajay Rose, Alan Jay, Alex Mitchell, Charlie Firth, Charlie Lewis, Fab Goualin, Gabriel Madden, Hazel Donovan, Joe Peden, Ramsey Maberly-Smith, and Rosie Wood.

Sources

• Roman Harris wins Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian 2025, British Comedy Guide.