I've judged a lot of comedy competitions over the years but I've never judged one like this. This is the first time I can recall sitting in the stalls hoping that some bad acts would come on to make my job easier after seeing so many potential victors. It was a pity only one winner could be crowned.
First up in this 17th year – previous entrants include Mae Martin and Adam Kay – was lovesick Michael Buble tribute act Al Nash, whose downtrodden status was signified by his tatty shopping bag. Things can't be too bad though, at least it was a Waitrose bag. His song about an unexpected romantic break-up got the night off to a firm start.
Zara Gladman had a simple, stoic philosophy. We are all going to die, so why worry? Her stand-out number was a witty response to social media trolls, proving that revenge is a dish best served alongside infectious melodies.
Paras Patel was the first portent of the evening's high standard. Tall, thin and soft-spoken he only qualified as a musical comedian because of some gentle guitar flurries accompanying his thoughtful, slow burn gags. It was an indication of the quality of the night that he only came joint third.
The material was as diverse as the styles. Abi Sharp serenaded the crowd with a ditty about the travails of travelling on the London Underground. Irishman Eoghan Collins boasted a scruffy charm – imagine Colin Farrell if he had been living under a hedge – and jokes about Oedipus, Mrs Brown's Boys and Sleeping Beauty.
Jack McMinn barely looked old enough to be allowed out this late on a Saturday night, but he quickly impressed, joking that you can get away with anything onstage if, like him, you are hiding behind a keyboard. McMinn made a real impact, particularly when highlighting an unlikely link between Elvis Presley and Tupperware and secured second place.
After the interval the bar was raised further by Shots at the Dragon. Childhood friends Kanwar Crosse and Sam Hall had the most crafted act of the night, punctuating songs with a spoof television interview onscreen. Lashings of energy, surprises and most of all humour bagged them first prize.
They were a tough act to follow. Holly Spillar could not maintain the momentum with her Ed Sheeran-style looping, while Jonathan Oldfield's quirky sensibility, opening with "Good evening, happy new year" didn't always land.
By contrast Australian Sarah Gaul immediately came across as someone who could deliver anywhere. Her sharpest song was about her obsession with true crime documentaries. A powerhouse performer with a big future, she picked up joint third place.
Just when there might have been audience fatigue Joe Da Costa injected a burst of energy, running up and down the aisles, before final act Alex Prescot demonstrated impressive improvisational talents, conjuring up spontaneous songs based on audience answers.
But the night, skilfully compered by Nick Horseman, belonged to Shots at the Dragon. Having previously worked mainly online it was difficult to believe they lacked live experience. Onstage their crowd-pleasing chemistry hit all the right notes.
The 2026 final is on April 10. Tickets and info here: ucl.ac.uk
