*EMBARGO 11.15pm Tuesday 4 June*
SEAN NOLAN HAS LAST LAUGH IN THE RTÉ TWO NEW COMEDY AWARDS
Bray comedian Sean Nolan has been announced the winner of the RTÉ Two New Comedy Awards, a nationwide search over a six-part RTÉ Two series to find the best in new Irish comedy talent. At the final, which was filmed at the Sugar Club and aired on RTÉ Two last night (Tuesday 4 June), Sean was crowned the winner and was presented with a trophy and a cheque for €5,000.
Twenty-five year old Sean, who has been doing stand-up for less than a year-and-a-half, has become the most talked about new comedian on the Irish circuit, with his stripped-back approach, quiet confidence and intelligent one-liners. Sean is based in Dublin and regularly performs at venues including The International Comedy Club.
Sean, who cites his comedy influences as Mitch Hedberg and Steven Wright, said: ‘I’m genuinely surprised and shocked to have won the competition, it was full of great acts. It was a brilliant experience performing in front of a big crowd, expert judges and, of course, the cameras, all of which encourages you to raise your game. In terms of what comes next I’ll just keep working away writing jokes like I’ve been doing. I’m in the Laughter Lounge later this week and then I’m over to London on 22 June to do a gig with Sara Pascoe, Abandoman and Brendan Dempsey which I’m very excited about.’
A judging panel of industry professionals chose the winner: Syeda Irtzaali, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 (Alan Carr Chatty Man, The Million Pound Drop, The Last Leg with Adam Hill); Mia Claire Cross – Associate producer on Live At The Apollo (BBC); Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC), Stand Up For The Week (CH 4), 8 Out Of Ten Cats (CH4); and Bill Malone, Channel Controller for RTÉ Two.
Bill Malone said: ‘The RTÉ TWO New Comedy Awards gave emerging stand ups the opportunity to stand up on a national stage. On the night the judges were torn between three possible winners, with Sean Nolan’s distinct, brave, original style ultimately winning out. The sheer volume and quality of material and gags performed and written by Sean set him apart from the other competitors. Ireland punches well above its weight internationally when it comes to comedy. Breaking and supporting new talent and new comedy is a vital public service role of RTÉ TWO and down through the years featured then unknowns such as Jason Byrne, Dara O’Briain, PJ Gallagher and Des Bishop. I look forward to adding the name Sean Nolan to that list.’
The other finalists in the competition were Tom O’Mahony, Andrea Farrell, Niamh Marron, Colm Tyrrell, Trevor Browne and Kevin McGahern. The series was produced by Tusk Productions for RTÉ and was presented by Bernard O’Shea and Jennifer Maguire.
To watch the final show or performances from throughout the series go to www.rte.ie/player or http://www.rte.ie/newcomedyawards/
Date: Tuesday 4 June 2013
Images: Pictures of Sean Nolan with presenters Bernard O’Shea and Jennifer Maguire will be sent to picture desks.
Further information: Anne-Louise Foley, RTÉ TV Press & Publicity, 208 3298/ 085 1288911/ foleya@rte.ie