Photo credit: Matt Radcliffe (Channel 4 Press)
By Jon Donnis
St George's Hall felt charged with a warm sort of chaos on Thursday 20 November as comedians from across the UK stepped into the spotlight for The Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award 2025. Bradford's year as City of Culture gave the night an extra pulse, and Amy Gledhill guided the whole thing with the kind of ease you only get from someone who already has an Edinburgh Comedy Award on the shelf.
The award exists to honour Sean Lock's sharp, distinctive spirit while giving space to acts who push their material into new corners. It is a tribute with practical teeth too. The winner receives a prize package that gives their career a serious lift. This year that honour went to Tom Towelling, who left the hall with a £5,000 grant, a script commission from Channel 4's Comedy team and paid writing opportunities with Channel 4's Entertainment and Digital departments.
Tom's energy on stage is loose, unpredictable and light on its feet. He mixes music with offbeat turns and has been building his name since 2023, working the rooms in his hometown of Birmingham. Before that he was half of the double act Good Kids. He often talks about how his love of comedy comes from growing up surrounded by a pack of lively aunts and uncles who told stories at every family gathering, from birthdays to funerals to the many Catholic rites that filled his childhood.
Speaking after his win, Tom said he was chuffed, emotional and proud of everyone who performed. He thanked Channel 4 and spoke about Sean Lock as an icon for comics and non-comics alike, which drew a warm response from the room.
Charlie Perkins, Channel 4's Head of Comedy, was quick to praise his set. She said Tom tore the roof clean off with material that felt original, carefully shaped and joyfully unpredictable. She also spoke about the sense of excitement his writing inspires and how bright the future looks for all the finalists.
The finalists themselves came together through nominations from venues and promoters across the UK. Channel 4 worked closely with this network to put the shortlist together. Thanks were offered to everyone on the panel, including David Bleese from Monkey Barrel Comedy in Edinburgh, Dian Cathal, Jade Henry from Empire Laughs Back in Belfast, Ryan Taylor from The Pleasance in London and Edinburgh, Henry Widdicombe from Little Wander Ltd., Lateef Ogunjobi from All Jokes Aside, Adam Jaremko from The Glee Clubs, and Jake Graham, who founded Proud of Yourself Comedy in London.
Further thanks went to Saltaire Brewery, Universal Live, Cheshire Bar Hire, Bradford Council and volunteers from Bradford 2025, whose support helped shape the event.
Finalists this year were Samira Banks, Emer Maguire, Paul Hilleard, Limahl Germain, Dane Buckley, Thor Stenhaug, Sharon Wanjohi, Sydney May and Roger O'Sullivan.
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