To be crowned the best of the best at the Edinburgh fringe is no mean feat. After months, if not years, of preparation, hundreds come to Scotland hoping to bag standup’s most illustrious prize. Winning an Edinburgh comedy award can turn a comedian into a household name. Previous victors include Hannah Gadsby, Frank Skinner, Bridget Christie, Rose Matafeo and Tim Key.
But this year, the awards hung in the balance after the sponsor Dave pulled its funding. At one point there was a very real chance that we wouldn’t get a competition at all. But thanks to three new sponsors – Sky for the best show award, comedy producers DLT Entertainment for best newcomer, and the Victoria Wood Foundation for the panel prize (which goes to whoever or whatever best encapsulates the spirit of the fringe) – order was restored. And the winners this year are arguably among the most exciting ever. But of course, as one of the judges, I would say that.
