Smethwick comic still amazed about 'surreal' award - but Ryan Lewis not resting on his laurels as he looks to become pioneer for the Midlands
One of the rising stars of the Black Country comedy scene has discussed winning awards and his dreams of becoming a pioneer of comedy for the West Midlands.
Ryan S Lewis said he was still taking in being named winner of the prestigious Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award 2025.
Ryan, who comes from Smethwick, was named as the winner of the award on October 3 at the Glee Club after being part of a showcase of emerging talent from across the West Midlands, including Bilston comic Abbie Hale and sketch duo BAB aka Amy Spinks and Lauren Soley, from Dudley, but modestly said that he was proud to be part of such a strong group.
He said: "I think a lot of people are obsessed with the competition side of it, but I've never been like that as, to me, a comedy competition is oxymoronic because, at the end of the day, comedy is so subjective.
"I don't know who someone's favourite comedian is as they might be completely different to mine, so to be able to put your comedy in the context of a competition is a bit strange.
"I just went in with the idea of putting on the best bit of entertainment for everyone in the audience and just be on my game, so I didn't really have an inkling about it, but one of the other contestants said to me that they thought I'd got it and I wasn't sure as they were really strong acts and it was just a great group."
Ryan said one thing the award did show was the strength of comedy in the region and said it was important for the region to be recognised for the hub of comedy it was.
