Karen & Katy Koren and the Gilded Balloon are delighted to announce Madeleine Brettingham as winner of the 38th edition of So You Think You’re Funny? – the UK’s most prestigious comedy newcomer competition.
Reb Day and Joel Walker came second and third place respectively, coming out top from over 435 initial applications and entertaining a sold out crowd at this year’s final at Appleton Tower, hosted by all-star MC Laura Lexx.
Following hilarious heats across the UK, comic Madeleine Brettingham claimed the crown for this year’s competition after a judging panel including special guest judge Doon Mackichan (Comedian and TV Star) plus Angela Squire (Artistic Director of the Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival), Bruce Dessau (Editor of Beyond the Joke), Arusa Qureshi (Editor of Fest Mag), Julia Chamberlain (So You Think You’re Funny? Producer) as well as Karen and Katy Koren (Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon) watched 7 minute sets from all 10 finalists, before convening to choose the winner.
Madeleine Brettingham is a writer-turned-performer who, after years of avoiding the spotlight, tried stand-up when a famous comedian appeared in a dream and told her to. Against all odds, it turned out to be pretty solid advice. She lives in London.
Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon and So You Think You’re Funny? said, “Huge congratulations to Madeleine Brettingham – 2025’s fantastic winner of So You Think You’re Funny?
“This year’s competition was extremely competitive with over 435 applications, so it’s an outstanding feat for these 10 finalists from across the UK to have made it this far and perform in front of our sold out crowd tonight. Each year it’s fantastic to see so many So You Think You’re Funny? alumni return to the Fringe to make their debut or take part in mixed bill runs. 2024’s winner Alana Jackson has had a huge sold out run with us this August, as well as brilliant shows from the likes of Sophia Wren, Christopher Donovan, our Best of So You Think You’re Funny acts and many more.
“A massive thank you to every comic who entered the competition this year, and all our esteemed judges who joined us at heats across the UK to ensure we could provide a platform to some of the very best new up and coming comedians in the country. We’ve all been blown away by the talent on display tonight and we’re sure they will go on to do wonderful things!”
Celebrity guest judge Doon Mackichan said, “I’m absolutely bowled over and amazed at the talent tonight – it was a really difficult decision and such a high standard. I laughed at every single person, but we had to make a decision. This is brutal – it’s worse than The Voice and X Factor!”
Karen & Katy Koren and the So You Think You’re Funny? team would like to offer a huge congratulations to 2025’s finalists.
