Future stars of comedy are set to compete tonight at Salford University’s New Adelphi Theatre for the 2020 Chortle comedy awards North West Heat.

The Comedy awards is a competition where students from all around the country compete in different heats to make it through to a semi final in London, which is followed by a big final competition at the Edinburgh Fringe festival – a popular hotspot for comedy goers, selling over 3 million tickets last year.

Having pushed stars such as Iain Sterling and Simon Bird into the spotlight, the Comedy awards are always a significant event for comedic hopefuls in Salford.

Salford’s Benjamin Hodge, who won people’s choice in last year’s Lincoln heat, and is competing again this year, explained: “I think competitions like this really push me to make sure I’m gigging as much as I can, and I am constantly improving my comedy to be the best it can be.

I see it as another gig so no matter where I place, I’ve gigged somewhere new!”.

Last year, Salford student Erika Ehler won the competition and Tom Short, another Salford student (and now alumni) won runner up.

The competition is friendly, and Mr. Hodge explained that many of the contestants support and cheer each other on: “The advice I’d give to anyone competing is to support each other. I know my friends who also did Chortle really supported all the finalists regardless of university, so if I dont make it to the final this year, I will still 100% support those who do”.

Tickets for tonight are still available to buy here, or incase you miss it, there are other heats across the country.

It might be worth taking a look, as you may be watching the next big comedy star.

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