Channel 4’s Sean Lock Comedy Award for 2024 has been awarded to Harriet Dyer, celebrating her unique comedic talent.
- The prestigious award ceremony was hosted by Joe Wilkinson at Project House, Leeds, spotlighting emerging comedic talents.
- Charlie Perkins, Channel 4’s Head of Comedy, lauded Dyer’s performance for its universal appeal and singular voice.
- Dyer’s win includes a monetary award and opportunities for script development with Channel 4’s comedy departments.
- The event showcased a high calibre of finalists, with the future of comedy deemed promising by industry insiders.
The 2024 Sean Lock Comedy Award by Channel 4 has been granted to Harriet Dyer, in recognition of her outstanding comedic prowess. Held at Project House in Leeds, the event was hosted by the comedian Joe Wilkinson and marked its second year in recognising new comedic writers and performers who embody the distinctive aurora of Channel 4 and the late Sean Lock. The evening brought together a multitude of talents, aiming to celebrate and encourage innovation in comedy.
Channel 4’s Head of Comedy, Charlie Perkins, noted Dyer’s captivating performance and the resonance of her humour with the audience. “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,” he remarked. He further acknowledged Dyer’s voice as reflective of Sean Lock’s ability to make the surreal into something relatable, commending all the finalists for their remarkable performances and anticipating a bright future for all.
The honour not only provides Dyer with a £5,000 cash prize aimed at bolstering her live performances, but it also includes a script commission from Channel 4’s comedy team. This opportunity allows for paid writing experience across various segments within Channel 4’s comedy and digital departments, paving the way for her further growth in the entertainment industry.
Dyer has been a full-time comedian since 2013, with several solo performances at the Edinburgh Fringe. She holds the role of resident MC at Sheffield’s ROFL Comedy Club and manages the award-winning mental health comedy event, Barking Tales, in Manchester, which she founded. Her personal experiences have evidently enriched her comedic material, as she mentioned, “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.”
Damon Pettitt, Sean’s former agent and a representative from Off The Kerb, conveyed his good wishes to Dyer, describing the standard of the competition as impressively high and sees a positive trajectory for comedy’s future. The support from Channel 4 is recognised as a substantial boost not just for Dyer, but also for the comedy scene at large.
Harriet Dyer’s receipt of the Sean Lock Comedy Award not only honours her talent but signifies her promising potential within the comedy landscape.
