The Edinburgh Comedy Award, often referred to as the “Oscars of comedy,” has been awarded to Sam Nicoresti for their show, Baby Doomer, which humorously explores a mortifying incident in a department store changing room. Nicoresti, a stand-up comedian from Birmingham, makes history as the first transgender recipient of this esteemed award, following near wins by Jordan Gray in 2022 and Eddie Izzard 34 years ago. Along with the honor, Nicoresti takes home £10,000 in prize money, joking during the acceptance speech that they promised their partner the win a year in advance to help fund their upcoming wedding.
Hosted by last year’s winner, Amy Gledhill, who added her own comedic flair to the ceremony, the event also celebrated Ayoade Bamgboye as the best newcomer for her show, Swings and Roundabouts. The emotional Bamgboye, who grew up in Nigeria, shed tears of joy upon winning an award that has previously launched the careers of stars like Sarah Millican and Harry Hill. Additionally, the Victoria Wood Award was presented to Comedy Club 4 Kids on its 20th anniversary, recognizing their commitment to children’s stand-up shows and workshops.
Nica Burns, the director of the comedy awards, remarked, “Our 2025 winners embody the essence of contemporary comedy: bold, brilliant, and deeply connected to their audiences. Each show resonates with the current moment, delivering laughs while imparting meaningful messages. Together, they highlight the importance of the Fringe as a platform for fresh voices.”
The lively ceremony concluded the three-week festival, taking place on a Saturday afternoon in front of a gathering of comedians and industry insiders. Former winners Adam Riches and John Kearns brought some irreverence to the proceedings, appearing in character as the crooners Ball and Boe, delivering cheeky jokes about the Fringe’s quirky dynamics with Scottish comedy and Edinburgh residents.
Despite some surprising omissions on the shortlist, including Cat Cohen’s well-reviewed show, Broad Strokes, Nicoresti’s win was well-deserved. Transitioning to high-energy stand-up this year after prior success with more avant-garde performances as part of the comedy collective Weirdos, her show joyfully explores life as a trans woman, mixing humor with playfulness and self-irony that resonates with mainstream audiences.
The queer Canadian duo Creepy Boys, nominated for their show Slugs, ensured representation for niche artistry at the top level of comedy. Bamgboye’s undeniable star power promises exciting prospects for her future, with hopes that she returns next year to the Fringe.
As the festival continues to thrive amid challenging times for the performing arts, the forthcoming data will reveal its commercial success. The comedy awards reaffirm that for emerging talent, bold creativity, and pure joy, the Edinburgh Fringe remains the most electrifying destination in live comedy.
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