Shaft Of Wit Dirty Dozen 2026 | Comedy Competition

WHAT IS THE DIRTY DOZEN?

A fast paced live comedy competition featuring Comedians of all levels, from beginners to established professionals. The Grand Final line-ups regularly feature some of the very best new comedy talent in the UK, giving audiences the chance to discover the next generation of stand-up stars.

12 ACTS

Twelve comedians selected from over one hundred applicants perform in heats . Three go through to a Grand final to win a big cash prize and the title of The Dirty One!

6 MINS

Each comedian gets a full uninterupted six minutes to impress the audience. They must leave the stage at the 6 minute mark, when a signal sounds.

1WINNER

The audience votes for their favourite act in each of the three section of the show. The favourites from each section will have one final minute at the end to impress the audience. The winner is decided by a clap-off with decibel reader.

WHY APPLY?

It's a well run competition with cash prizes
Be part of a fun gig with a great atmosphere
Opportunities to be seen for progression
Meet and network with many comedians
Dirty Dozen audiences are always amazing

THE DATES FOR 2026/27

HEAT 1

05
DEC

2026

NORWICH

HEAT 2

11
DEC

2026

THURTON

HEAT 3

12
DEC

2026

WYMONDHAM

FINAL

15
JAN

2027

CHEDGRAVE

BASIC RULES & INFORMATION

Open to all
Anyone can apply, whether you are just starting out or an experienced professional.

The Dirty Dozen attracts comedians of all styles, all abilities and all levels of experience. Acts are selected to offer the audience a range of styles for a great night of comedy. Previous competitors and winners may apply again.
SIX minutes + One for luck
You must have 6 minutes of funny. Jokes, Magic, Music, Character, Mime, Double Acts, Whatever... Anything goes! Your act should be original or

Each performer will get their full Six minutes. No gongs, only a signal when time is up.

Section winners will get ONE EXTRA MINUTE at the end in 'The Last Chance Saloon', before the clap off.
The audience votes
Each heat and the final has three sections with four comedians performing in each. The audience vote for their favourite in each section. The three section winners perform a final minute and the winner is decided by audience clap-off. A decibel reader ensures the result is accurate.
Cash prizes
HEATS: Winner get £100 cash | 1st 2nd & 3rd place progress to the final.

GRAND FINAL: Winner gets £500 CASH A Trophy and a paid spot on a Big Comedy Club Night | Two runners-up get paid spots on a pro bill. Payment and set lengths will be dependent on the act and the show offered.
Extra places
Up to three 'wild card' places are offered to performers that gave impressive performances, but did not get the audience votes on the night. These places are at the discretion of the organisers.
Every little helps
All acts that perform will be paid £12 towards travel costs.
Big Comedy Club Night
The Grand Final Winner will be offered a paid spot on a future Big Comedy Club Night. The fee and set length will be in line with the experience of the winning act.

The Grand Final runners up will be offered a paid spot on a suitable pro night . There is no obligation to accept the spot. All offers will be subject to the act's availability
Get on the radar
Shaft Of Wit Comedy rarely offer paid spots to comedians they havent seen live. This includes established headliners. Beyond it's competition format, The Dirty Dozen also offers the opportunity for acts of all levels to showcase their talent and get on the Shaft Of Wit Radar.
Contact us
If you have any questions not answered here, send an email to dirtydozen@shaftofwit.com