The finalists for the Hackney Empire New Act award (one of the original new act comedy contests, not one of these many new-fangled ones you get "these days") have been announced. Previous finalists include SImon Amstell, Ardal O'Hanlon, Linda Smith, Stewart Lee, Russell Brand and Tim Vine.

This year the finalists include Tania Edwards, Steve Aruni and Henry the Hoover (!), Prince Abdi and .... David Trent, something of a comedy maverick who likes to get all multimedia on yo ass. Trent also seems to have an unhealthy lack of fear of failure, which is just as well because his act isn't the sort that every audience will go for. But when he smashes it, he really smashes it.

Here's the wee video he has put together to express his delight at being nominated for awards final, which takes place on March 19 at the Barbican.