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

Ricky Gervais, the renowned comedian and co-owner of Dutch Barn Vodka, has announced an exciting new initiative called The Spirit of Comedy. This nationwide stand-up competition aims to discover the UK’s next big comedic talent, culminating in a grand final in London in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Competition Name: The Spirit of Comedy

• Launch Date: May 2025

• Grand Final: 1 October 2025 in London

• Winner's Prize: £5,000 and a chance to open for Gervais at Wembley Arena

• Regional Rounds: Multiple locations across the UK

Overview of The Spirit of Comedy

The Spirit of Comedy is designed to unearth new comedic talent from all corners of the UK. The competition will feature multiple regional rounds, allowing aspiring comedians to showcase their skills and potentially gain international recognition.

The winner will not only receive a cash prize of £5,000 but will also have the unique opportunity to perform as the opening act for Ricky Gervais at the prestigious OVO Arena Wembley on 15 November 2025.

Competition Schedule

The competition will unfold in several stages:

1. First Round: May to July 2025, covering 20 towns and cities across the UK.

2. Second Round: August and September 2025, featuring five selected locations.

3. Final Round: 1 October 2025 in London.

Community Engagement

In addition to the competition, The Spirit of Comedy aims to create a vibrant community for comedy enthusiasts. Attendees at the events will be welcomed with a complimentary Dutch Barn cocktail, enhancing the overall experience.

Ricky 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." This sentiment reflects the brand's commitment to fostering a fun and engaging atmosphere for both performers and audiences alike.

Judging and Participation

The competition will feature a mix of audience voting and expert panels to determine the winners at each stage. Aspiring comedians are encouraged to apply by submitting a short clip of their performance through the official Dutch Barn website.

Conclusion

The Spirit of Comedy represents a significant opportunity for budding comedians to gain exposure and potentially launch their careers. With Ricky Gervais at the helm, this competition promises to be a thrilling journey for participants and comedy fans across the UK.

As the search for Britain’s second funniest person begins, the comedy landscape is set to be invigorated with fresh talent and laughter.

Sources

• Ricky Gervais launches hunt for “Britain’s Second Funniest Person”, Banbury Guardian.

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

• Ricky Gervais launches UK-wide stand-up competition, Brent & Kilburn Times.