We caught up with Anthony Butler, Talent Representative for Off the Kerb, who are working with Paramount Comedy on the Funniest Student competition.
We asked him about the competition, how things went last year and thoughts on the 2008 edition.
What is the Funniest Student competition?
The Funniest Student competition is designed to promote and provide a platform for new comedy talent from the UK’s student community. It’s part of Magners Paramount Comedy On Tap, which is a network of more than 150 university comedy shows at numerous student venues across the UK, and is produced by ourselves at Off The Kerb Productions in association with Paramount Comedy.
Where did the idea of the competition come from?
Comedy On Tap started back in 2002 and as the network started to establish itself we began to look at ways we could expand on the regular shows in a way which could bring the wider student community together. Open Mic nights have long been popular with students and one thing that both Off The Kerb & Paramount Comedy have always been keen to do is encourage new comedy talent, so taking that a step further and launching a contest of this kind seemed a natural progression.
You held your first nationwide competition last year, how did that go?
It went really well. The final itself featured 5 very strong contestants; I think myself and the other judges - Kathleen Hutchison, Paramount Comedy’s Head Of New Comedy, and comedian Robin Ince - were surprised at how high the standard was. What was great about the competition too is that it seems to have provided a starting point for the finalist’s careers; particularly last years winner Hannah George who has since begun to create a name for herself on the stand-up circuit.
So you’re looking forward to this year’s competition then?
Yeah. We’ve had a good response from applicants this year, but the deadline isn’t until 25th February, so anyone who wants to enter has until then to do so. This year’s final should be great too – Patrick Monahan is once again booked in to host proceedings, whilst If.Comedy (formally the Perrier Award) winner Brendon Burns will be doing a headline set for us. I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be a fantastic night.
Applications for Magners Paramount Comedy On Tap Funniest Student 2008 will be accepted until Monday 25th February. For more information or to apply please visit www.paramountcomedy.com
The final will take place on Monday 10th March at The Comedy Store, London. To apply for guest list tickets please e-mail press@paramountcomedy.com
Tuesday 29 January 2008
More from Hannah
To read more about Hannah's reaction to winning last year's Paramount Funniest Student Competition click here.
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