Daniel Petrie wins Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2023
On Saturday evening Daniel Petrie was awarded the prestigious title of Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2023 at The Y Theatre in Leicester, as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival.
Daniel was declared the winner after a tough contest, which saw eight of the best-emerging comedy acts in the country battling it out for the crown after performing their best seven minutes in front of an esteemed comedy industry panel and a sold-out audience. Each finalist had been selected by top comedy promoters from across the UK and earmarked as ones to watch in the future.
Second place was awarded to Vittorio Angelone and Shalaka Kurup came third.
Daniel Petrie:
“I still can’t quite believe it! All of the other comedians were great tonight and I definitely didn’t expect to win! Leicester Comedy Festival is one of the biggest fixtures in the comedy calendar so I’m absolutely thrilled to have been crowned Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year. Thanks to everyone who came along to The Y Theatre this evening and of course, to the judges! I failed my driving test on Tuesday so it’s nice to get the week back on track.”
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023, the renowned competition has been a springboard to fame for many comedians. Last year’s winner was Bristol-based comedian Firuz Ozari and other notable previous winners include Kate Lucas (2014), Romesh Ranganathan (2013), Josh Widdicombe (2010), Rhod Gilbert (2003), Jason Manford (2000) and Johnny Vegas (1997).
Leicester Comedy Festival Founder, Geoff Rowe:
“The annual Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Competition is always a highlight of the annual Leicester Comedy Festival, especially so in this, the festival’s 30th anniversary year. We’re so proud of all the past winners and contestants, and it’s brilliant that the reputation of the competition has grown and grown over the years into now being one of the most prestigious comedy competitions in the UK. Huge congratulations to Daniel Petrie on winning this year, and I’m sure they will go on to a brilliant future career in live comedy.”
The judging panel for this year were: Charlotte Lang (Glastonbury Festival), Alex Hardy (Independent Comedy Producer, Director), Mark Olver (Belly Laughs Comedy), Mark Boosey (British Comedy Guide) and Sharlin Jahan (Brown Sauce Comedy Club).
The shortlisted Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year finalists for 2023 were:
- Daniel Petrie
- Freya McGhee
- Josephine Lacey
- Mary Flanigan
- Rahul Somia
- Sergi Polo
- Shalaka Kurup
- Vittorio Angelone
Leicester Comedy Festival is Europe’s biggest and longest-running comedy festival. The complete programme is available now at: www.comedy-festival.co.uk
