News release - Student scoops comedy title
17 March 2008
Southampton Solent University student, Ric Wharton has been crowned Paramount's Comedy On Tap Funniest Student 2008.
The national event is the hottest comedy gig on the university calendar, and the culmination of a series of gigs from the UK's top stand-up students.
The competition has been dominated by Solent – the only university in the UK to run a BA (Hons) degree in Comedy. Last year it was won by Solent's Hannah George, who is now a regular on the comedy circuit.
Ric, a first year student from the outskirts of Newcastle, performed his prize-winning set at London's famous Comedy Store in front of the industry's top movers and shakers.
He said:
"Winning this title is the best thing that has ever happened to me. This has been the culmination of a great year. It all started when I was persuaded by a friend to have a go at stand-up. My first gig at a local pub went down really well, and I realised that I had found my vocation. When I found out that I could go to university to study comedy it was an absolute dream.
"The degree helped me to gain confidence and stage presence and I've since performed more than 30 times. Winning the Paramount Comedy on Tap Funniest Student title has given me a real boost and some great opportunities to work with the top people in comedy."
BA (Hons) Comedy Course leader Chris Ritchie added:
"Nic is an incredibly promising student with a bright future in comedy. He is a natural performer who has a lot of charm. He is a great asset to our comedy degree and is the second of our students to prove that the comedy degree can help young comedians on their way to international stardom."
Nic performed in front of judges Ant Butler from Off The Kerb management - who represents Lee Evans and Jack Dee - Kathleen Hutchison from Paramount Comedy and acclaimed stand up Robin Ince.
Kathleen Hutchison said:
"The standard of acts was brilliant, and Nic came up trumps."
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