Comedy

The venerable competition goes back to 1987. Past finalists (though not always winners) include Eddie Izzard, Harry Hill, Ardal O’Hanlon, Linda Smith, Catherine Tate, Dylan Moran, Gina Yashere and Russell Brand. On Sunday, Arthur Smith hosts this year’s Grand Final, when 15 acts attempt to follow in these illustrious footsteps.

Isma Almas ‘I’m a mother of two. I have a job in Bradford as a social worker in mental health. I’m 35. I’d describe my act as short, slightly dark vignettes. The audience should expect to hear a few myths about Asian women dispelled.’

Evie Anderson ‘I street perform opera, mostly in Covent Garden. I also sing at (and ruin) people’s weddings and corporate functions. I am trained in the martial art of song. In my act I sing opera and then say words. Funny words. My humour can appear dirty and callous.’
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Tamika Campbell ‘I was born and raised in New York in one of America’s most notorious religious sects – the Nubian Islamic Hebrews. They changed their name to Nuwabians. You can Google it. I’m 32. I came to England because I dislike America. I’m starving and skint. I bring everyday events to the stage and twist them a bit. I’m a licensed decorator, fitness trainer and language teacher.

Liz Carr ‘I’m 34 and from the Wirral. My first stand-up was with Abnormally Funny People, a line-up of disabled comedians. We were like the Spice Girls of disability. I made the final of the Funny Women competition last year. I’m a wheelchair-using stand-up whose humour is dark and often edgy.’

Crispin Flintoff ‘I’m from west London. I’ve worked as a sub-editor since I left Glasgow University with a third-class degree in Philosophy. I currently work for the newspaper International Freighting Weekly. I’m 36. I’m not afraid to look or be silly. I’ve also always wanted to be a reggae dance-hall DJ.’

Matt Grantham ‘I grew up in Australia. I came to London in 2004. I’m working as a physiotherapist. I’m 28. I do deadpan political comedy. My fear is that I could die horribly at the Empire in front of promoters and media types and my career will take a nosedive.’

Dan Hoy ‘I’m a one-line based gag merchant. I’m very shy off stage and it shocks people when I tell them I do stand-up. I rode racehorses (though unfortunately not in races) for ten years before I joined that comedy hotbed – accounting. I have a school report saying: “Daniel wants to be the class clown. But he doesn’t realise people are laughing at him rather than with him.” I’m 33.’