Tonight’s heat comes from Swansea’s iconic Patti Pavilion, a 19th-century performing arts venue that sits beside the seafront on the gateway to the Gower. Kiri Pritchard-McLean is our host for the evening, and the five up-and-coming comics need to impress judges Mawaan Rizwan, Ali Shahalom and Katy Wix. Only one can earn a place in the grand final at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre and Opera House.

First established in 1995, the BBC New Comedy Awards have helped to nurture the careers of some of Britain’s best-loved comedians, including Peter Kay, Joe Lycett, Lee Mack, Julian Barratt, Josie Long, Shappi Khorsandi, Romesh Ranganathan, Alan Carr, Russell Howard, Lee Ridley, Tom Allen, Lauren Pattison and Sarah Millican. Show less