Harriet Dyer has been announced as the winner of the Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award this year, celebrating her unique and surreal comedic talent.
- The competition, now in its second year, took place at Project House in Leeds, hosted by Joe Wilkinson.
- Charlie Perkins of Channel 4 praised Harriet for her distinctive comedic voice, reminiscent of Sean Lock.
- As the award winner, Harriet will receive financial support for her live performances and opportunities for script commissions.
- Harriet, whose career in comedy began in 2013, has made a significant impact with her solo shows and contributions to comedy in the UK.
The Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award has recognised Harriet Dyer’s exceptional comedic talent, honouring her with this year’s title. In its second edition, the event was held at Project House, Leeds, with Joe Wilkinson as the host. This award aims to spotlight emerging writers and performers who embody the unique and alternative comedic spirit epitomised by Sean Lock and Channel 4.
Charlie Perkins, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, commended Harriet, stating, “Harriet’s mind is amazing. What a kick to see 300 people united in laughter about a hedgehog that comes through your letterbox to let you know the internet guy is at the front door.” Such creativity reflects a singular voice and a universal outreach similar to Sean’s.
Harriet Dyer’s victory brings her £5,000 to aid her live performances, along with a script commission from Channel 4’s Comedy team, and paid writing opportunities across the entertainment and digital departments. Her journey as a full-time comedian has been marked with numerous solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, and she has been a resident MC at ROFL Comedy Club in Sheffield and initiated the award-winning mental health comedy night, Barking Tales, in Manchester.
Reflecting on her comedic journey, Harriet expressed, “When I was young, I was always sad because nothing really happened to me but now, I’m older, I’ve got so much stuff to mention in my comedy. So, comedy has changed my life really… because I’m unemployable everywhere else! It’s the only thing I haven’t been banished from yet.” Her candidness captures the transformative power of comedy.
Damon Pettitt, from Off The Kerb and Sean’s former agent, offered his congratulations to Harriet, acknowledging the high standards set during the event. The future of comedy, he suggests, remains promising due to such burgeoning talent.
Harriet Dyer’s win signifies a bright trajectory for her career in comedy, promising further contributions to the comedic arts.
