The third annual Luke Rollason Memorial Memorial Bursary, established by the physical comedian and actor to support new comedy creatives from alternative backgrounds, has revealed its winners for this year’s Brighton Fringe.
The Winners
Liam Harney: Presenting “BEAT INFLATION WITH SUE THE CLEANER” – a superbly crafted character comedy tackling the absurdity of the cost-of-living crisis.
Rachel Baker: Performing as Gwen in “THIS IS NOT A PYRAMID SCHEME” – a hilarious one-woman seminar from a deranged Avon Lady.
Runners-Up
Rebecca Harrison: Presenting “PUNKSWATS AND BEING LONELY” – a blend of dry observations and giant papier-mâché from this Bravado award-winning poet and comedian.
Alex Franklin: Presenting “GIRL CODE” – a celebration of trans joy from the surreal siren of musical comedy.
Luke Rollason’s Statement
Luke Rollason expressed his excitement for supporting acts from diverse backgrounds and his joy in returning to perform in Brighton alongside these talented individuals.
Once again my stupid vanity bursary is back in my quest to make tackling diversity in alternative comedy all about me. This year we’re supporting more acts from working-class backgrounds than ever, and it’s a joy to be returning to perform in Brighton and bringing these talented freaks with me.
Everyone gets something to bring home with them, or as Luke says,
The prize for the winners includes the cost of their registration, £100 towards marketing, mentorship, as well as fizzy drinks and crisps of their choice. The runners-up will also have their registration costs covered and might get some crisps if they are lucky.
Performances
- Liam Harney: “Beat Inflation with Sue The Cleaner” – The Actors Theatre, June 1st and 2nd.
- Rachel Baker: “This Is Not A Pyramid Scheme” – Hare and Hounds, May 25th and 26th.
- Rebecca Harrison: “Punkswats” – Laughing Horse @ The Temple Bar, May 25th-29th.
- Alex Franklin: “Gurl Code” – The Actors Theatre, May 25th and 26th.
- Luke Rollason: “Luke Rollason, Let Down Your Hair” – Brighton Spiegeltent, May 31st and June 1st.
Industry Showcase
All four winners will feature in an industry showcase on May 24th at Brighton’s KOMEDIA Comedy Club. Acts like Lil Wenker, Kayleigh Jones, and Huxley and Mr Cardboard will also perform. Details can be found here and performances could be found through their respective venues.
Still a few days left until the Brighton festival ends, so stay tuned for more bits on ALL things comedy! And if you’re looking to satisfy your comedy appetite then feel free to step right in to Big Belly Comedy Club, where we’ve got absolutely hilarious comedy shows playing 7 nights a week!
