The shortlist for the Foster’s comedy award has been announced. The prestigious comedy awards carry a cash prize of £10,000 for Best Comedy Show, £5,000 for Best Newcomer and £5,000 Panel Prize.
The winners will be announced on Saturday 25 August at a lunchtime ceremony at Dovecot Studios, Infirmary Street and the winners and nominees will be performing in an Awards Show on Sunday August 26 at 15.30 at Pleasance Courtyard.
Nominations for Best Comedy Show are:
- Claudia O’Doherty – The Telescope (Underbelly, Cowgate)
- Doctor Brown –Befrdfgth (Underbelly, Cowgate)
- James Acaster – Prompt (Pleasance Courtyard)
- Josie Long: Romance and Adventure (Pleasance Courtyard)
- Pappy’s: Last Show Ever! (Pleasance Dome)
- Tony Law Maximum Nonsense (The Stand Comedy Club)
The nominations for Foster’s Best Newcomer are:
- Daniel Simonsen – Champions (Pleasance Courtyard)
- David Trent – Spontaneous Comedian (Pleasance Courtyard)
- Discover Ben Target (Underbelly, Cowgate)
- Joe Lycett: Some Lycett Hot (Pleasance Courtyard)
- Sam Fletcher – Good on Paper (Bannermans)
Nica Burns, producer of the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards said:
"The nominees sum up an extraordinarily inventive year for comedy at this year’s Fringe. The shows demonstrate all the comedic art forms - standup, mime, sketch and multi-media experimentation. The performers are all immensely charismatic and often thought-provoking whilst being extremely funny. Two excellent nomination lists."
Lady Rizo wins new Fringe cabaret award
The winner of their inaugural Edinburgh TO&ST award for Fringe cabaret has been won by Lady Rizo. The award is made by Time Out & Soho Theatre.
Lady Rizo, who made her European debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, was the unanimous choice of the three judges, Time Out Cabaret Editor Ben Walters, Soho Theatre Comedy & Cabaret Producer Steve Lock and Artistic Director of the Glasgow Cabaret Festival Frodo McDaniel.
A statement said: "Lady Rizo clearly stood out with her extraordinary voice, audience engagement, charisma and humour, in a very accomplished, slick show that embraces the joy of cabaret."
Lady Rizo was presented her award yesterday evening.