The woman in charge of Edinburgh's biggest award has hailed a landmark moment for the industry as she announced that male comics are in the minority among the contenders for the £10,000 prize. Three female comics and a non-binary performer have made the seven-strong shortlist for the longest-running best comedy show honour at the Fringe, which has been running since 1981. Edinburgh Comedy Awards director Nica Burns said growing confidence among female comics had been the key to a major shift in the awards shortlists - traditionally dominated by male comics – in recent years.
She has suggested this is the first year that no London-based comics have made the final shortlist. Ms Burns highlighted the growing trend for international performers, with two Australians - Josh Glanc and Rueben Kaye - and an American (Natalie Palamides) making the shortlist, along with an Irish comic (Catherine Bohart). Two Yorkshire comics, Amy Gledhill and Chris Cantrill, are nominated after being shortlisted in 2022 with their double act The Delightful Sausage, while non-binary Nottingham stand-up Sarah Keyworth is also in contention.
However, there was another disappointing year for Scottish comedy with no home-grown talents making the list. This year’s nominees were drawn from 563 eligible shows for the best show award, which has previously been won by the likes of Steve Coogan, Frank Skinner, Sean Hughes, Al Murray, Daniel Kitson, Tommy Tiernan, David O’Doherty and Russell Kane. Bridget Ch.