In response to the potential cancellation of this year’s long-standing Edinburgh Comedy Awards, a group of comedy fans has taken matters into their own hands by establishing a fresh alternative. The newly launched (ISH) Edinburgh Comedy Awards, where “ISH” stands for “Insert Sponsor Here,” aims to ensure that the beloved comedy accolades continue to thrive.
The organisers have ambitious plans in place for the (ISH) Edinburgh Comedy Awards. They intend to assemble a panel of approximately 50 judges who will devote themselves to attending full runs of non-compilation shows throughout the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. By August 21, a carefully curated list of nominees will be revealed, with the winners being announced on August 26—the customary day for unveiling the champions of the established awards.
Similar to the original Edinburgh Comedy Awards, the (ISH) edition will present three coveted accolades: Best Show, Best Newcomer, and the Panel Prize. However, without a sponsor on board yet, the cash prizes for the winners will be modest, amounting to £10, £5, and £5, respectively. Although significantly smaller, these amounts demonstrate the organisers’ commitment to ensuring recognition for exceptional talent. They remain hopeful of securing a sponsor who will match the prize amounts traditionally associated with the prestigious awards.
Sarah Bowles, a coordinator of the (ISH) Edinburgh Comedy Awards, is an esteemed figure in the comedy realm. Bowles not only runs the renowned Laughs at the Louis comedy nights in a Dover pub but also serves as a producer for The Rat Pack Stand-Up Comedy shows in London and the Fringe. Additionally, Bowles is a talented comedian and was a finalist in this year’s Silver Standup Competition at the Leicester Comedy Festival.
Expressing her deep appreciation for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Bowles highlighted the overwhelming support received thus far. She encouraged promoters to provide complimentary tickets to the extensive panel of judges, ensuring their attendance at all eligible shows.
“We are committed to watching every eligible show,” Bowles emphasised. “If the judging panel requests a complimentary ticket for your show, please lend us your support! We are determined to make these awards exceptional and fair. Our goal is to foster inclusivity and support for the comedy community. Should we inadvertently overlook something or make an error, we kindly ask for understanding. We are all volunteers, dedicating our time and efforts to bring you the Edinburgh Comedy Awards this year. After all, the festival encompasses so much more than just the awards themselves.”
Last month, the organisers of the original Edinburgh Comedy Awards, formerly known as the Perrier Award, announced that this year’s event might not take place unless the necessary funding of £200,000 could be secured. This budget covered various expenses, including a £10,000 cash prize for the primary award and £5,000 for the other categories. The main costs involved accommodating the extensive team of scouts and the panel of ten judges.
While the (ISH) Edinburgh Comedy Awards may appear to adopt the name of the traditional accolades, it is important to note that no trademark for this title is registered with the Intellectual Property Office.
For more information on the (ISH) Edinburgh Comedy Awards, interested individuals can visit the official website dedicated to the event.
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