• Children
• Family
• Circus
• Comedy
• Dance
• Guest hires
• Music
• Special events
• Theatre
• Booking information

New Variety Lives presents
The NATYS: New Act of the Year 2012

ARTHUR SMITH, a pioneer of Alternative Comedy, hosts the 30th edition of the independent, new comedy launch-pad that showcases the new wave of acts to look out for in 2012

From over 150 acts auditioned the following acts were selected to appear at the New Act of the Year Final 2012:
STUART MITCHELL, BOBBY MAIR, ADAMS & REA, THE UNDER DOGS, MARK STEPHENSON, MYRA DUBOIS, ELECTRO FUTURE BEARD CLUB, MAE MARTIN, THE FABULOUS RUSSELLA, PATRICK CAHILL, MISTER MEREDITH, TONY COWARDS, MARK SIMMONS and GEORGE ROWE make up the night’s New Variety Bill, with a hilarious mix of stand-up, speciality, musical, live art and sketch comedy. The judging panel comes from the world of Live Entertainment, Artists, reviewers, agents and scouts, bookers of clubs, theatres and festivals

The NATYS traces its alternative roots back to 1982 on the CAST New Variety stage at Brixton’s Old White Horse.  The show transferred in 1987 and over the next 20 years it became an integral foundation of the Hackney Empire Theatre’s artistic and cultural identity, and was celebrated as the most important stage for new British Comedy. 

‘...the most important talent contest in the country...’ The Guardian

The NATYS comedy roll call is legend.  From the late Linda Smith; Russell Peters to Russell Brand and  including (amongst 100s of others): Harry Hill, Ardal O’Hanlon, Ricky Grover, Simon Pegg, Jocelyn Jee Esien, Tim Vine, Nina Conti, Junior Simpson, Lee ‘Nelsy’ Nelson, Catherine Tate, Gina Yashere, Imran Yusuf, Men in Coats, Lee Mack, Liz Carr, Ronnie Ancona, Francesa Martinez and Jack Whitehall.