Edinburgh Fringe Awards 2025: A celebration of Bold New Voices in Comedy
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival concluded its 2025 run with a vibrant awards ceremony, spotlighting the comedians poised to shape the future of the art form.This year’s winners weren’t just funny; they captured a unique energy, resonating deeply with audiences adn proving why the Fringe remains a vital launchpad for comedic talent.Let’s break down the highlights and what they signify for the evolving landscape of comedy.
Key Winners & What Their Success Means
Best in Show: Vittorio Nicoresti took home the top prize,recognized for a high-energy stand-up show tackling life as a trans woman with joy,playfulness,and sharp self-awareness. This win signals a growing appetite for authentic, personal storytelling within mainstream comedy.
best Newcomer: Ayoade Bamgboye impressed judges with her show, Swings and Roundabouts, demonstrating commanding stage presence and undeniable star quality. Her victory confirms the Fringe’s continued ability to identify and elevate rising stars.
Innovation & Depiction: Nominations for acts like the queer canadian duo, The Creepy boys (with Slugs), showcased the festival’s commitment to diverse and experimental performance.
Nica Burns, director of the comedy awards and a prominent West end producer, emphasized that the 2025 winners embody the current spirit of comedy: “bold, brilliant and deeply connected to audiences.” They’re not just delivering laughs; they’re sparking conversations and leaving a lasting impression.
A Ceremony steeped in Tradition (and a Little Irreverence)
The awards ceremony itself continued the Fringe’s tradition of playful irreverence. Former winners Adam Riches and John Kearns, appearing in character as a comedic duo, delivered witty commentary on the festival’s relationship with Scottish comedy and the unique atmosphere of Edinburgh. This playful spirit underscores the Fringe’s commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging expectations.
Notable Mentions & Missed Opportunities
While Nicoresti’s win was widely celebrated, many were surprised by the absence of Cat Cohen’s Broad Strokes from the shortlist. Attended by Tina Fey, Cohen’s show garnered important buzz and critical acclaim throughout the festival.John Tothill, whose show detailed his recent health scares (malaria and appendicitis!), also deserved recognition.Simply completing* a Fringe run without a near-death experience feels like a victory in itself!
The Fringe’s Enduring Appeal
The Edinburgh Fringe isn’t just a festival; it’s an ecosystem. It’s a place where emerging artists can hone their craft, experiment with new ideas, and connect directly with audiences. As the awards demonstrated, it’s a breeding ground for the freshest voices in comedy.Despite challenging times for the performing arts, the Fringe continues to thrive. Figures on commercial performance will be released soon, but the awards ceremony itself proved one thing: for both performers and audiences, the Edinburgh Fringe remains the moast electrifying destination for live comedy.
You can expect the festival to continue to evolve, embracing new forms of comedy and providing a platform for diverse perspectives. Your support of these artists – and the festival itself – is crucial to ensuring its continued success.
Looking Ahead: The Edinburgh Fringe isn’t just about the awards; it’s about the future of comedy. It’s a place where risks are rewarded, and the next generation of comedic stars are born.
