The nominees for this year’s Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award have been announced, with eight candidates in the running for the high-profile prize. Those in line for Best Comedy Show include Nish Kumar, Kieran Hodgson and James Acaster, who is up for the award for a fourth consecutive year, as well as Australian comedians Sarah Kendall and Sam Simmons, who have also received prior nominations.
Seymour Mace, Trygve Wakenshaw and Joseph Morpurgo, who also performs with improv troupe Austentatious, complete the record breaking shortlist of eight acts.
Now in its 35th year, the Best Newcomer gong has been awarded to some of Britain’s biggest comedians. This year’s shortlist features Tom Ballard, Daphne do Edinburgh, Larry Dean, Sofie Hagen, Adam Hess, The Story Beast and Tom Parry, formerly of sketch trio Pappy’s.
“The judging debate was the longest in the 35-year history of the comedy awards. This demonstrates the vibrancy of the Edinburgh Fringe and extraordinary range of talent on show this year,” said Nica Burns, producer of Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards.
There were 600 acts eligible for the £10,000 prize, which is not open to comedians who already have a TV series or perform in 500-seater venues under their own name.
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Former winners include Steve Coogan, Lee Evans and Frank Skinner.