CityLife

Think you're funny? Prove it!

THE CityLife Comedian of the Year was the first and it's still the best!

Now in its 18th year, the comedy competition that sets the bar for all the rest has already provided a springboard for everyone from Caroline Aherne, Peter Kay, Dave Spikey and Jason Manford to Justin Moorhouse, Chris Addison, Tony Burgess and John Bishop.

In some years the competition has been so hot that even the likes of Dave Gorman and Johnny Vegas have only managed to go home as runners-up.

Now you can follow in the footsteps of those comedy greats, and many more comedy talents, by entering City Life's Comedian of the Year Competition 2008. It's going to be bigger, better and funnier than ever before!

The format of the competition is that selected applicants will be invited to take part in four heats, taking place on September 18 and 25 and October 2 and 9 at Toby Hadoke's popular and respected XS Malarkey comedy club in Fallowfield.

Two winners will be selected by our expert judges from each of these heats, along with a wildcard entry voted for by the public.

These will go forward to a star-studded Grand Final held at Manchester's prestigious Comedy Store on Sunday, October 26.

PRIZES

The winner of the event will receive £1,000 cash, the runner up £250 and the third-placed £100. But just as important is the publicity that the winner and participants will receive.

The whole event will be covered extensively in Britain's largest regional newspaper, the Manchester Evening News, and on Manchester's dedicated TV station, Channel m .

Acts will also receive a free DVD of their performance while other prizes include a spot at premier comedy events, including the London Comedy Store (plus some expenses), a spot at The Frog And Bucket and XS Malarkey

THE FIRST STEP

To take part, simply submit your entry online at: manchestereveningnews.co.uk/coty .