Roman Harris Crowned Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian 2025
- Comedy in Your Eye
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Roman Harris has been awarded the prestigious Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year 2025 title, securing a £1,500 prize and a unique pigeon racing trophy. The emotional win came after a tightly written set that resonated with the audience and judges alike.
Key Takeaways
Roman Harris claimed the top prize at the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year 2025.
Lizzie Simpson was awarded runner-up, with Dom McGovern taking third place.
Over 300 comedians initially entered the competition, with the final featuring 14 acts.
A Comedian's Journey
Upon receiving his award, an emotional Harris shared his gratitude, dedicating the win to his mother who was unable to attend. He spoke candidly about the challenges of stand-up comedy, comparing its difficulty to his previous career as a firefighter of over 10 years. "Getting on stage, doing this and making people laugh is massive," he stated, expressing admiration for all the competition's entrants.
Harris reflected on the personal significance of 2025, a year of profound change. He transitioned to pursuing comedy full-time after 15 years in the Fire Service and also experienced the loss of his father. He emphasized that while trophies are nice, the genuine connection with the audience through laughter is the ultimate reward for comedians.
The Competition
The final, held on Saturday, 10th January, saw Lizzie Simpson take the second-place prize of £500, and Dom McGovern secure third place with a £250 award. The event was hosted by Sam Nicoresti, with last year's winner Rohan Sharma performing a guest set. The judging panel included industry professionals such as Mark Boosey, Bruce Dessau, and David Hardcastle.
Initially, over 300 comedians vied for the title, with knockout heats at the Museum of Comedy narrowing the field down to the final 14. Each finalist performed a five-minute set. Other comedians who reached the final included 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.