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.
Friday, 18 January 2008
Paramount Comedy Funniest Student - 3rd Testimonial
And finally ... from Adrian MacKinder
I am a regular on the stand up circuit and I agree this is a really good idea. I recommend anyone who thinks they're funny to enter. It's such a competitive business, these competitons are a really rewarding way of getting your talent noticed by the industry. This one is worth entering as Paramount is so high profile and the panel of judges are also of a high calibre, last year they had Jonathan Ross agent among the judges!
I went along to watch the last final and apart from the fucking brilliant opportunity to play at the Comedy Store in London, the winners got the chance to develop ideas for Paramount as well as high profile gigs set up. Last year's winner, Hannah George has become a very good friend of mine and she'll no doubt agree with me when I say that it really helped her get stuck in to the comedy circuit - and I'm not even getting paid by her to say this! Here's the link to enter this year's competition: http://www.paramountcomedy.com/live-gigs/comedy_on_tap/funny.aspx
I am a regular on the stand up circuit and I agree this is a really good idea. I recommend anyone who thinks they're funny to enter. It's such a competitive business, these competitons are a really rewarding way of getting your talent noticed by the industry. This one is worth entering as Paramount is so high profile and the panel of judges are also of a high calibre, last year they had Jonathan Ross agent among the judges!
I went along to watch the last final and apart from the fucking brilliant opportunity to play at the Comedy Store in London, the winners got the chance to develop ideas for Paramount as well as high profile gigs set up. Last year's winner, Hannah George has become a very good friend of mine and she'll no doubt agree with me when I say that it really helped her get stuck in to the comedy circuit - and I'm not even getting paid by her to say this! Here's the link to enter this year's competition: http://www.paramountcomedy.com/live-gigs/comedy_on_tap/funny.aspx
Paramount Comedy Funniest Student - 2nd Testimonial
Second testimonial on the facebook group, this time from Richard Bond. BTW - Yes Rich, you can enter again!!
Greetings all! i hope this generic message finds y'all well!
just to say that the paramount competition is awesome, it's like a dream come true for any young comedian and i heartily reccommend it.
Here's a question though, i entered it 2007 and made it through to the final (Hannah won, she deserved it, i love her, hasn't she got lovely hair, and an honest smile...and a very trustable chin...) can someone who is in my position enter again?
good to have a comedy group like this though...we're all in it together...
Rich
Xxx
Greetings all! i hope this generic message finds y'all well!
just to say that the paramount competition is awesome, it's like a dream come true for any young comedian and i heartily reccommend it.
Here's a question though, i entered it 2007 and made it through to the final (Hannah won, she deserved it, i love her, hasn't she got lovely hair, and an honest smile...and a very trustable chin...) can someone who is in my position enter again?
good to have a comedy group like this though...we're all in it together...
Rich
Xxx
Paramount Comedy Funniest Student
The facebook group Student Comedians has been getting a few testimonials on the Paramount Comedy Funniest Student competition. So, here's what they're saying.
1) From Hannah George!
Hello one and all,
Just thought I'd start a little thread to suggest entering this years Paramount Comedy Student Comedian of the Year Comp. I won it last year and it was fooking wonderful. I would seriously advise anyone to enter (so long as you're a student and have about five minutes of material!), pop over to the paramount comedy website to find out more; www.paramountcomedy.com. I entered on a whim last year and it gave me such a fantastic boost! Getting to play at the comedy store on my 10th gig was bloody marvelous....People bought me drinks all night....I think I gave myself alcohol poisoning...I got home...laughed for a bit...then promptly passed out. It was a very romantic evening.
Enter it. xx
1) From Hannah George!
Hello one and all,
Just thought I'd start a little thread to suggest entering this years Paramount Comedy Student Comedian of the Year Comp. I won it last year and it was fooking wonderful. I would seriously advise anyone to enter (so long as you're a student and have about five minutes of material!), pop over to the paramount comedy website to find out more; www.paramountcomedy.com. I entered on a whim last year and it gave me such a fantastic boost! Getting to play at the comedy store on my 10th gig was bloody marvelous....People bought me drinks all night....I think I gave myself alcohol poisoning...I got home...laughed for a bit...then promptly passed out. It was a very romantic evening.
Enter it. xx
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Paramount Student Comedy Comp
To save you hunting through the Paramount website to find the details of the competition you can go straight to the competition site here.
Student Comedy Competition
Hannah George posted this comment on our Facebook group over the weekend. I'm checking out the details and will get back with some more info asap.
Hello one and all,
Just thought I'd start a little thread to suggest entering this years Paramount Comedy Student Comedian of the Year Comp. I won it last year and it was fooking wonderful. I would seriously advise anyone to enter (so long as you're a student and have about five minutes of material!), pop over to the paramount comedy website to find out more; www.paramountcomedy.com. I entered on a whim last year and it gave me such a fantastic boost! Getting to play at the comedy store on my 10th gig was bloody marvelous....People bought me drinks all night....I think I gave myself alcohol poisoning...I got home...laughed for a bit...then promptly passed out. It was a very romantic evening.
Enter it. xx
Hello one and all,
Just thought I'd start a little thread to suggest entering this years Paramount Comedy Student Comedian of the Year Comp. I won it last year and it was fooking wonderful. I would seriously advise anyone to enter (so long as you're a student and have about five minutes of material!), pop over to the paramount comedy website to find out more; www.paramountcomedy.com. I entered on a whim last year and it gave me such a fantastic boost! Getting to play at the comedy store on my 10th gig was bloody marvelous....People bought me drinks all night....I think I gave myself alcohol poisoning...I got home...laughed for a bit...then promptly passed out. It was a very romantic evening.
Enter it. xx
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
UK Sitcom News
I'm putting in a new link to a site on the latest UK sitcom news in the Comedy News / Gigs section. Should keep you all up-to-date with what's going on in telly land. Top story today is Chris Langham. No further comment required!
Monday, 7 January 2008
Bizarre Students
This student may not be funny but he's certainly entertaining. Ever wondered what to do with all those beer cans cluttering up the house? Why not build a Ford Mustang
Friday, 4 January 2008
German student Life
It seems student life in Germany is the same as it is here ... with one slight difference! :) Watch what I mean.
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Let it Snow
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
New Year Quotes
Mark Twain
New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions.
Brooks Atkinson
Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.
Bill Vaughan
Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to.
P. J. O'Rourke
The proper behaviour all through the holiday season is to be drunk. This drunkenness culminates on New Year's Eve, when you get so drunk you kiss the person you're married to.
Jay Leno
Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average… which means, you have met your New Year's resolution.
James Agate
New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.
Eric Zorn
Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self-assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.
Bill Vaughan
An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.
Charles Lamb
New Year's Day is every man's birthday.
Oprah Winfrey
Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.
Mark Twain
New Year's Day… now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.
Judith Crist
Happiness is too many things these days for anyone to wish it on anyone lightly. So let's just wish each other a bile-less New Year and leave it at that.
Anonymous
Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits.
Joey Adams
May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!
Anais Nin
I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me.
Oscar Wilde
Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account.
Anonymous
A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other.
Leonard Bernstein
From New Year's on the outlook brightens; good humour lost in a mood of failure returns. I resolve to stop complaining.
New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions.
Brooks Atkinson
Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.
Bill Vaughan
Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to.
P. J. O'Rourke
The proper behaviour all through the holiday season is to be drunk. This drunkenness culminates on New Year's Eve, when you get so drunk you kiss the person you're married to.
Jay Leno
Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average… which means, you have met your New Year's resolution.
James Agate
New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.
Eric Zorn
Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self-assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.
Bill Vaughan
An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.
Charles Lamb
New Year's Day is every man's birthday.
Oprah Winfrey
Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.
Mark Twain
New Year's Day… now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.
Judith Crist
Happiness is too many things these days for anyone to wish it on anyone lightly. So let's just wish each other a bile-less New Year and leave it at that.
Anonymous
Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits.
Joey Adams
May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!
Anais Nin
I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me.
Oscar Wilde
Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account.
Anonymous
A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other.
Leonard Bernstein
From New Year's on the outlook brightens; good humour lost in a mood of failure returns. I resolve to stop complaining.
Friday, 28 December 2007
New Year's Resolutions - #1
New Year Resolutions for Pets
15. I will not eat other animals' poop.
14. I will not lick my human's face after eating animal poop.
13. I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.
12. My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
11. I will no longer be beholden to the sound of the can opener.
10. Cats: Circulate a petition that sleeping become a juried competition in major animal shows.
9. Come to understand that cats are from Venus; dogs are from Mars.
8. Take time from busy schedule to stop and smell the behinds.
7. Hamster: Don't let them figure out I'm just a rat on steroids, or they'll flush me!
6. Get a bite in on that freak who gives me that shot every year.
5. Grow opposable thumb; break into pantry; decide for MYSELF how much food is *too* much.
4. Cats: Use new living room sofa as scratching post.
3. January 1st: Kill the sock! Must kill the sock!
January 2nd - December 31: Re-live victory over the sock.
2. The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.
AND the Number 1 New Year's Resolutions Made by Pets...
1. I will NOT chase the stick until I see it LEAVE THE IDIOT'S HAND
(from ahajokes.com)
15. I will not eat other animals' poop.
14. I will not lick my human's face after eating animal poop.
13. I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.
12. My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
11. I will no longer be beholden to the sound of the can opener.
10. Cats: Circulate a petition that sleeping become a juried competition in major animal shows.
9. Come to understand that cats are from Venus; dogs are from Mars.
8. Take time from busy schedule to stop and smell the behinds.
7. Hamster: Don't let them figure out I'm just a rat on steroids, or they'll flush me!
6. Get a bite in on that freak who gives me that shot every year.
5. Grow opposable thumb; break into pantry; decide for MYSELF how much food is *too* much.
4. Cats: Use new living room sofa as scratching post.
3. January 1st: Kill the sock! Must kill the sock!
January 2nd - December 31: Re-live victory over the sock.
2. The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.
AND the Number 1 New Year's Resolutions Made by Pets...
1. I will NOT chase the stick until I see it LEAVE THE IDIOT'S HAND
(from ahajokes.com)
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Running Joke
Got a funny third line to add to this? Let us know!
A dog barked (Conway Wigg) ... so loud that his tail turned blue (anonymous) ...
A dog barked (Conway Wigg) ... so loud that his tail turned blue (anonymous) ...
Where is Jesus?
The highest ranking site on Google for 'Christmas Comedy' is this.
Judging by the quality of the jokes (see example below) it seems like the festive season doesn't generate much humour.
Where Is Jesus?
It occurred to the Sunday School teacher, that with all the emphasis on the Nativity over Christmas that some children may get the impression that the birth of Jesus Christ was a recent event. He wanted to be sure they understood that he grew up and did many things. So he decided that the topic of the lesson would be Where Is Jesus Now?
He put this question to the class and immediately many hands shot into the air as many of the children were keen to state their opinion.
"What do you think Johnny?"
"He's in the church, sir." Johnny replied.
"Okay. What about you Rosie?"
"I believe he's in Heaven, sir"
"That's good. What about you Billy?"
Billy was a little hesitant, then blurted out "I think he's in our bathroom sir."
The classroom erupted with uproarious laughter; but eventually the teacher managed to quell the noise.
"Oh really." said the teacher. "What makes you think that Billy?"
"Well sir, some mornings my dad knocks on the bathroom door and says 'Jesus Christ, are you still in there?'
http://www.christmas-time.com/ct-comedy.htm
Judging by the quality of the jokes (see example below) it seems like the festive season doesn't generate much humour.
Where Is Jesus?
It occurred to the Sunday School teacher, that with all the emphasis on the Nativity over Christmas that some children may get the impression that the birth of Jesus Christ was a recent event. He wanted to be sure they understood that he grew up and did many things. So he decided that the topic of the lesson would be Where Is Jesus Now?
He put this question to the class and immediately many hands shot into the air as many of the children were keen to state their opinion.
"What do you think Johnny?"
"He's in the church, sir." Johnny replied.
"Okay. What about you Rosie?"
"I believe he's in Heaven, sir"
"That's good. What about you Billy?"
Billy was a little hesitant, then blurted out "I think he's in our bathroom sir."
The classroom erupted with uproarious laughter; but eventually the teacher managed to quell the noise.
"Oh really." said the teacher. "What makes you think that Billy?"
"Well sir, some mornings my dad knocks on the bathroom door and says 'Jesus Christ, are you still in there?'
http://www.christmas-time.com/ct-comedy.htm
Monday, 17 December 2007
The Monday Interview
This week we're talking to Dave Upcraft from Chichester University.
What's your best joke?
Well, it’s sort of the old tired cliche in that I see my self as more of an observationalist comedian. I try and make my comedy out of what’s going on around me. I use the audience and things that happen to me on a daily basis. Still, I have the odd joke in my arsenal. My favourite has to be this...
Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was really pissed.
She told him "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE !!"
The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife woke up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway.
Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought the box back in the house.
She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.
Bob has been missing since Friday.
What made you choose performing arts at Chichester?
I chose Chichester because it's a really open course. We go across all aspects of the board, performing, creating, directing, producing etc. Plus, the big winner for me is that I don’t have any written exam! Just performances and coursework. What else could you ask for!?!
How's the course going?
So far, pretty well! I’m only in my first year and just 4 months in. Had a few performances and so on and have essays to write. Still, as all students are aware, Christmas is here and I am living off bread and Iceland frozen foods! Still, 2 weeks of food for £25, that’s why STUDENTS go to Iceland!
How's your comedy performing?
At the moment, I’m looking for the opportunities to perform at uni. Paramount come down once or twice a month and put on a bit of a show with some of the already signed comedy acts. Usually really good but just waiting for the open mic nights and chances to arise after chatting with the SU presidents. Also, starting in January on Friday nights, at Bognor Regis campus of the uni, I’ll be taking part in our very own version of Whose Line Is It Anyway.
Favourite comic performers and why?
I grew up watching Lee Evans and therefore he’s had a huge impact on the way that I perform and my comic background. He’s
just a fantastic physical performer and his imagination is sometimes outstanding. Seeing him next year on his Big UK tour as well!
Also love comics like Bill Bailey, Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard,
Ed Byrne and Omid Djalili because they are all ingenious performers!
Do you see any future comedy stars among your fellow students?
I think that among those who I’m working alongside, there are quite a few people that have a huge potential! There are some people that always have me in stitches and will relish a chance as much as me!!
What's your best joke?
Well, it’s sort of the old tired cliche in that I see my self as more of an observationalist comedian. I try and make my comedy out of what’s going on around me. I use the audience and things that happen to me on a daily basis. Still, I have the odd joke in my arsenal. My favourite has to be this...
Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was really pissed.
She told him "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE !!"
The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife woke up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway.
Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought the box back in the house.
She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.
Bob has been missing since Friday.
What made you choose performing arts at Chichester?
I chose Chichester because it's a really open course. We go across all aspects of the board, performing, creating, directing, producing etc. Plus, the big winner for me is that I don’t have any written exam! Just performances and coursework. What else could you ask for!?!
How's the course going?
So far, pretty well! I’m only in my first year and just 4 months in. Had a few performances and so on and have essays to write. Still, as all students are aware, Christmas is here and I am living off bread and Iceland frozen foods! Still, 2 weeks of food for £25, that’s why STUDENTS go to Iceland!
How's your comedy performing?
At the moment, I’m looking for the opportunities to perform at uni. Paramount come down once or twice a month and put on a bit of a show with some of the already signed comedy acts. Usually really good but just waiting for the open mic nights and chances to arise after chatting with the SU presidents. Also, starting in January on Friday nights, at Bognor Regis campus of the uni, I’ll be taking part in our very own version of Whose Line Is It Anyway.
Favourite comic performers and why?
I grew up watching Lee Evans and therefore he’s had a huge impact on the way that I perform and my comic background. He’s
just a fantastic physical performer and his imagination is sometimes outstanding. Seeing him next year on his Big UK tour as well!
Also love comics like Bill Bailey, Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard,
Ed Byrne and Omid Djalili because they are all ingenious performers!
Do you see any future comedy stars among your fellow students?
I think that among those who I’m working alongside, there are quite a few people that have a huge potential! There are some people that always have me in stitches and will relish a chance as much as me!!
Thursday, 13 December 2007
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Facebook Group
Our little Facebook group 'Student Comedians' has gathered a grand total of 18 members since its launch two and a half days ago. One of the comedians we're featuring there is Nathan Caton. I'll be adding some clips to this site in a minute ... but I've also found an interview with him on the Paramount Comedy website.
Running Joke
Got a funny third line to add to this? Let us know!
A dog barked (Conway Wigg) ... so loud that his tail turned blue (anonymous) ...
A dog barked (Conway Wigg) ... so loud that his tail turned blue (anonymous) ...
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Link Building
Just entered Student Comedian on BritBlog. They asked for a link back so here it is ... British Blog Directory
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