Are you Hackney’s young comedian of the year?

As part of the 2023-24 Speaker’s year, Hackney Speaker Cllr Anya Sizer invites you to perform your comedy piece, alongside other spectacular local acts, in a one-off variety show featuring wellbeing and mental health.

This will take place in front of an audience in one of the UK’s last original music halls, Hackney’s very own Hoxton Hall, on 8 February 2024, and promises to be an exciting evening filled with fun and laughter.

We are looking for the following categories:

• 6-11 year olds
• 12-18 year olds
• 19-25 year olds

SEND applicants are very welcome – please indicate this upon application. There will be three winners in each category.

Winning prizes will include tickets to the show and Amazon vouchers.

How to enter

Please submit text, audio or a short film to speaker@hackney.gov.uk (including WeTransfer) or email for details of how to enter via WhatsApp. Please confirm the name, age, appropriate contact name and details for each young person’s entry.

“With so many cares and concerns for Hackney’s young people we need laughter and comedy now more than ever to bring us together, raise spirits and spread some joy. We are reaching out to all young people in the borough to share their best jokes, comic acts or songs that will raise a smile or even a belly laugh. Hackney has a proud history of the arts as a beacon for hope, and we are calling on that same spirit again to showcase the warmth and humour of this wonderful borough. Please get in touch by sending your entries to the Speaker’s Office.”

Cllr Anya Sizer, Speaker of Hackney 2023-24