Magazine

Girls on Top at New Act of the Year

Women have always had a natural talent for the 'variety' genre of comedy and we're delighted to see some of our favourite female musical and sketch acts included in the final line up for the NEW VARIETY’S NEW ACT OF THE YEAR 2012, NATY, which takes place on Sunday 29th January at Stratford Circus close to the new Olympic City.

The show will be hosted by Arthur Smith, and this is the 30th edition of the independent, new comedy launch-pad that sets out to showcase a new wave of acts to look out for each year, 2012 being no exception.

From over 150 acts auditioned, 14 acts have been selected to appear at the New Act of the Year Final 2012 including Adams & Rea, featuring Sarah Adams who won the first ever Funny Women Awards in 2003 as Jade the Folksinger, hugely talented sketch duo The Under Dogs who we look forward to seeing more of at Funny Women shows in 2012, and our favourite Canadian songstress, Mae Martin.

The NATY 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 became an integral foundation of the Hackney Empire Theatre’s artistic and cultural identity, where it was celebrated as the most important stage for new British Comedy.

Its roll call is legend and includes some amazing female talent: the late Linda Smith, Jocelyn Jee Esien, Nina Conti, Andi Osho, Catherine Tate, Gina Yashere, Liz Carr, Ronnie Ancona and Francesa Martinez.

The NATY last played the Hackney Empire in 2010 and moved to the Barbican Theatre in 2011. For 2012, the NATY showcases in East London’s new Olympic City, at the superbly equipped Stratford Circus. New Variety Lives, the producers behind the NATYS, remain determined to keep the stage door open and encourage live performance for new and diverse talent across the London and national club, theatre and festival circuits.

The NATY take place on Sunday 29th January 2012 at 7.00pm, Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, London E15 1BX. Tickets: £14, Concession: £12.50 Box office: 0844 357 2625 www.stratford-circus.com

For more details about the NATY please visit www.newvarietylives.co.uk