THE DIRTY DOZEN 2026
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Have you got what it takes to be the Big Dirty One?
Now approaching it's 7th year, this
competition has become one of the most popular events among Shaft Of Wit Comedy audiences. It attracts acts of all levels, from veteran profesional entertainers to fresh out the box new acts.
I'm proud to say it is widely considered to be a really fun, well run and worthwhile gig to go for, by the majority of those that have previously done it.
Whether you fancy it for fun, for the experience or for the opportunity to get on the radar for future booking, the saloon door is now open.
Thank you for taking the time to visit the website.
If you have performed at a Dirty Dozen night before, you are welcome to chuck your hat in the ring again.
There are no cash prizes awarded in the heats
The Grand Final Prizes Guaranteed
OVERALL WINNER GETS £500 CASH
+ THE TROPHY
12 COMEDIANS
A line up of twelve comedians perform in a show of three parts.
Acts of all levels of experience are welcome.
and selections are made to offer a range of styles for the evening to be enjoyable for the audience.
Up to Three performers from each heat will progress to the Grand Final event in January. All dates and venues may be subject to change.
05 MINUTES
Every performer will have a maximum of 5 minutes stage time. The time begins at the end of the an intro track and ends with an audible signal.
An audience vote follows each section of the show, So being on early is not disadvantage
All performers should come prepared with an additional One Minute of material In the event that they are selected for the final vote-off.
01 WINNER
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The audience vote for their favourite comedian after each section of the show. Placing the name of their chosen act into a hat.
The winner from each section will be required to perform one minute with the overall winner decided by a clap-off
The overall winner of the heat event will progress to the final. Runners up may also qualify
HEAT #1
NOVEMBER 7 2025
CHEDGRAVE
WINNER
EDDIE ROJAS
RUNNERS UP
PAUL DENNIS
CALVIN SMITH
HEAT #2
DECEMBER 19 2025
WYMONDHAM
WINNER
RUNNERS UP
HEAT #3 tbc
JANUARY 9 2025
EYE - Suffolk
None of the following is meant to sound arsey. If any of it comes across like that, read it again with a smile.
ADMIN
Please appreciate the amount of admin required to organise this programme of events
Before you apply, please check your availability for the events and the final.
COMMUNICATION
It helps greatly if you can reply to emails and confirmations as soon as possible after receiving them.
AVAILABILITY
If you become unavailable after taking up a spot, let me know. Not doing so is a pain when I check in the week before the gig.
Preferred dates are only intended as a guide, it may not be possible to offer the date indicated, therefore some flexibility may help
MATERIAL
Your act should be original. Other than that, anything goes.
If selected come prepared with an additional One Minute of material In the event that you are selected for the final audience clap-off.
MEDIA
Please do not send video files for me to download, upload your file to you tube and send a link, make sure the settings allow me to watch the video .
.I recommend checking the link works before sending, as deadlinks will be overlooked.
SELECTION
Heats are put together to offer a range of styles for the audience to enjoy,
If you do not get selected for this one, don't be put off applying for future events.
There is no formal closing date for applications.
If you have applied and get offered a paid gig take it.
If you have been selected and take a paid gig, that's a bit of a pain, , but it may be possible to move things to accommodate both.
Just let me know.
EDDIE ROJAS
PAUL DENNIS
CALVIN SMITH
GRAND FINAL
FEBRUARY 6th 2026
The White Horse Chedgrave
THE DIRTY ONES.
HERE ARE THE PREVIOUS DIRTY DOZEN CHAMPIONS.
Jenny Hart
Grand Slam Champion
Winner in 2021 & 2025
Jack Garden 2022
