Emerging West Midlands Comedians Shortlisted for 2025 Birmingham Comedy Honour

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BIRMINGHAM, UK — Five rising stars from the West Midlands have been named as finalists for the 2025 Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award, an annual honour that spotlights the region’s most promising new comedy voices. The winner will be announced at the festival’s official launch event on Friday, 3 October 2025, at The Glee Club in Birmingham.

Launched in 2014, the Breaking Talent Award is a collaboration between the long-running Birmingham Comedy Festival and The Glee Club, aimed at promoting up-and-coming comedians with strong ties to the West Midlands. Past winners and finalists have gone on to enjoy national recognition, including Josh Pugh and Celya AB.

This year’s shortlist includes a diverse group of performers with roots across the region, reflecting the breadth of talent now emerging onto the national stage.

Comedy duo BAB, comprised of Amy Spinks and Lauren Soley, first met while studying performing arts at Thomas Telford Sixth Form in Telford. Originally from Dudley, the pair now live in North London, where they work in scripted television production. Their high-energy, sketch-based act has been described as “regional, chaotic, and relatable,” with Lauren noting their style as “a smashed mirror held up to society.”

Abbie Edwards, from Solihull via Yardley, was first inspired to take the stage at a university event in Southampton in 2017. Now working in education in North West London, Edwards delivers what she describes as “self-deprecating” material, citing Rose Matafeo and Stewart Lee among her influences. Her style is marked by candid storytelling and what she calls a “manic” stage presence.

Abbie Hale, originally from Bilston and now based in Erdington, Birmingham, developed her stand-up skills at De Montfort University in Leicester. A fan of dark, character-driven comedy, she credits Vic & Bob and The League of Gentlemen among her inspirations. Since making her public debut in 2019, Hale has continued to hone her craft with a strong focus on building out eccentric personas.

Selly Park’s Harry Jenkins represents a newer face on the circuit, having made his stand-up debut in late 2022. Since January this year, Jenkins has pursued comedy full-time, combining performance with event promotion. Drawing influence from Billy Connolly and Frank Skinner, Jenkins aims for an affable and approachable presence on stage, often reflecting on everyday absurdities with a Midlands flair.

Rounding out the list is Ryan S Lewis, a civil servant from Smethwick who took to comedy in 2022 following a background in drama. Performing primarily in Sandwell and the Black Country, Lewis is known for enthusiastic storytelling, with a style shaped by legends such as Peter Kay, Eddie Murphy, and Bernie Mac. He made his debut at the Holly Bush in Cradley Heath, a well-known venue for grassroots comedy.

The Birmingham Comedy Festival runs from 3 to 13 October 2025, with events scheduled across venues citywide. The Breaking Talent Award continues to serve as a key platform for spotlighting local comedic voices before they step onto larger national and international stages.