Harriet Dyer named as the winner of The Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award 2024

23 October 2024

On Tuesday 22nd October 2024, up-and-coming comedians from across the UK took to the stage of Project House in Leeds to compete for The Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award 2024 – hosted by comedian Joe Wilkinson.

Now in its second year, the award is designed to showcase talented new writers and performers who embody the alternative comedic spirit of Sean and Channel 4.

Last night’s winner, Harriet Dyer, will be given a unique opportunity to kickstart her career in TV comedy. As recipient of the award, the Cornish comic will receive £5,000 to support her live work as well as a script commission from Channel 4’s Comedy team and paid writing experience across Channel 4’s comedy Entertainment and Digital departments.

Photo: Joe Wilkinson, Harriet Dyer and Charlie Perkins. Photo credit: Will Johnston.

Harriet has been a full-time comedian since 2013. She has performed a number of solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, including the critically acclaimed Trigger Warning, which was filmed and released by NextUp Comedy. She also gigs around the country at all the major comedy clubs and festivals.  She has bipolar disorder and does advocacy work around mental health. She is also the creator of the monthly mental health comedy night, Barking Tales.

Harriet commented: “When I was young, I was always sad because nothing really happened to me but now, I'm older, I've got so much stuff to mention in my comedy. So, comedy has changed my life really... because I'm unemployable everywhere else! It's the only thing I haven't been banished from yet. It's great that I can be myself and fit in somewhere.”

Charlie Perkins, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, said: “Harriet’s mind is amazing. What a kick to see 300 people united in laughter about a hedgehog that comes through your letterbox to let you know the internet guy is at the front door. Such a singular voice, and so reminiscent of Sean’s ability to make the surreal universal. Congratulations to Harriet and well done to all of our finalists- the standard was incredible. The future is very very bright for all of them.”

Damon Pettitt from Off The Kerb and Sean’s former agent said: “Good luck to the worthy winner.  It was an incredibly high standard on the night; the future of comedy looks in great shape. Thanks again to Channel 4 for this incredibly generous bursary.”

As part of the award, Channel 4 has worked with several live comedy venues and promoters across the UK to nominate and shortlist a group of standout finalists. They are all up-and-coming talents on the comedy circuit, taking their next steps into the wider world of writing and performing. 

A special thanks to all those who took part in the nomination panel, including Binty Blair from Hotwater Comedy Club, Liverpool; David Bleese, Monkey Barrel Comedy, Edinburgh; Dian Cathal, Stand Up Comedian and Activist; Jade Henry from Empire Laughs Back, Belfast; Adam Jaremko from GLEE clubs, Midlands and North; Eva Mackay and Mike Jones, The Stand venues across the country; Ryan Taylor, The Pleasance London and Edinburgh; Henry Widdicombe from Little Wander, Wales; Lateef Ogunjobi from All Jokes Aside, London. Jessica Toomey, Frog and Bucket Comedy Club

Photo: Sean Lock Award 2024 finalists photographed with Joe Wilkinson.  Photo credit: Will Johnston.

Thanks and congratulations again to all the award finalists:

Jin Hao Li, Shalaka Kurup, Marty Gleeson, Elaine Robertson, Leah Davis, Pravanya Pillay, Ricky Balshaw, Harriet Dyer, Millie Malone, Marjolein Robertson.