Leicester Square Theatre Announces New Comedian of the Year 2025 Finalists

A Premier West End Entertainment Venue

Located in the heart of the West End, Leicester Square Theatre runs a healthy programme of comedy, cabaret, dance, music and theatre. The theatre’s auditorium accommodates around 400 seats, hence providing a personal and intimate experience for spectators. As one of London’s most vibrant entertainment destinations, the venue continues to attract both established performers and emerging talent, making it a cornerstone of the capital’s cultural scene.

New Comedian of the Year Competition Returns

The finalists have been announced for the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year 2025 competition. Now in its 16th year, Leicester Square Theatre’s showcase for the UK’s best up-and-coming new comedians. Previous finalists have included Rob Beckett, Rachel Parris, Amy Gledhill, Ian Smith, Viggo Venn, Jessica Fostekew, Tez Ilyas, Tim Renkow, Nigel Ng, Rosie Holt, Alasdair Beckett-King, Olga Koch, Sofie Hagen. Nearly 40 heats have taken place across 2025 to determine the line-up for the final.

The final will take place on Saturday 10th January at 3pm at the central London venue. Edinburgh Comedy Awards winner Sam Nicoresti will host, and the show will feature a set from last year’s winner, Rohan Sharma. The winner will receive the coveted title plus a cash prize.

Thriving Entertainment Programme

Beyond the comedy competition, Leicester Square Theatre continues to offer diverse programming throughout the festive season and into 2026. The theatre has an illustrious history as a live music venue. As the Cavern in the Town in the Sixties, Beat group The Small Faces had a regular residency. In the 1970s, as the Notre Dame Hall, The Rolling Stones played there along with The Who. This rich heritage adds to the venue’s appeal for both performers and audiences.

Why This Matters for London Theatre

The Leicester Square Theatre’s commitment to nurturing new comedic talent demonstrates the vital role smaller West End venues play in developing the entertainment industry’s future stars. For comedy enthusiasts and theatre lovers, the New Comedian of the Year competition offers a unique opportunity to discover tomorrow’s headline acts before they achieve widespread fame. The venue’s continued success reflects London’s position as a global entertainment capital and the enduring appetite for live performance in the digital age.