James R | On 14, May 2020

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest may not be going ahead as normal, but streaming service NextUp is hoping to present the next best thing… probably.

Its alternative Eurovision competition will take place the night before the event would have taken place. Partnering with Piñata comedy night at The Old Nun’s Head, the digital comedy club’s virtual venue, NextUp Now, will welcome 20 comedians who will perform live for the chosen countries or cities. Audiences will be able to vote on their favourites live and the contestants themselves will also be able to vote.

Acts performing on the night include Helen Duff, Yasmine Day, Josh Glanc and Huge Davies, with Sam Lake providing live commentary.

NextUp producer Tom Brandt says: “Piñata have done an incredible job of lining up amazing comics to take part in this, so we’re delighted to be able to support and help them bring what will be a very special evening of performances to as many people as we can. It’s another chance to bring live, exciting content to everyone still stuck inside during lockdown, and one we can’t wait to bring to life.”

The event will take place at 8pm on Friday 15th May, and will allow audiences to tip the acts as they watch them, with all proceeds going directly to the comedians. NextUp recently launched a JustGiving campaign to help comedians stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. The campaign has raised nearly £100,000 from such donators as Dawn French and Lee Mack.

Read on below for the full line-up – or to watch live, head to nextupcomedy.com/eurovision

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