Alana Jackson Wins So You Think You're Funny? 2024

Alana Jackson has been crowned the winner of So You Think You're Funny?. Now in its 37th year, the UK's longest-running comedy competition of its kind saw 597 enter, with 10 competitors making it to the final.

Past winner Maisie Adam hosted the Grand Final, calling it "The hottest ticket in town," and saying the event is, "Truly life-changing, as you can see by the fact that I'm here hosting it."

Jackson's winning set delved into the cultural differences between Glasgow and London, particularly when it comes to funerals, delivered with an amiability reminiscent of a good friend down the pub.

So You Think You're Funny? 2024 | Photo by Steve Ullathorne 

The first runner-up went to Ciara O'Connor, whose deadpan delivery took in transgendered issues in sport, and cultural differences she's experienced, including people who run for fun. The second runner-up was given to Ayo Adenekan, who spoke on the struggles of aligning his Scottish culture with his Black culture, with a masterful callback rounding up his set.

The other finalists included Alex Gogarty, Bert Broadbent, Fab Goualin, Kate Sharp, Laurie Brewster, Paras Patel and Sophia Wren. Guest judge Sue Perkins took to the stage to announce the winner. She said: "This was a very tough decision. I was a small part of the judging process and there were so many talented people for us to choose from. Well done to everyone who put themselves out there tonight. It’s terrifying and they were brilliant!"

Joining Perkins on the judging panel were: Susan Provan (Director of Melbourne International Comedy Festival), Bruce Dessau (Editor of Beyond the Joke), Julia Chamberlain (So You Think You’re Funny? Producer), Arusa Qureshi (Editor of Fest Magazine) and, Karen and Katy Koren (Artistic directors of Gilded Balloon). 

As the winner, Jackson receives a cash prize, a fully paid show run at the Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme, a spot in Soho Theatre's Comedy Plus Lab course, mentorship from Channel 4's Comedy Commissioning team, and a paid performance slot at Latitude Festival. Additionally, Jackson will get other paid slots at top UK comedy clubs, a headshot photoshoot, a filmed copy of their final performance, and ongoing mentorship from Gilded Balloon’s Artistic directors and the So You Think You’re Funny? producer.

So You Think You're Funny? Grand Final performed at Gilded Balloon Patter House on 22 August as part of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe