Edinburgh triumph for Aidan Strangeman

Irish musical comedian Aidan Strangeman has won the annual So You Think You’re Funny? new talent hunt at the Edinburgh Fringe.

He takes home a £5,000 first prize as well as the kudos of joining a list of winners that includes Tommy Tiernan, Peter Kay, David O’Doherty and Lee Mack.

On collecting the award from Jason Manford, one of the judges, Strangeman said: modestly: ‘There was no way I was best on the night! I’d like to thank my mother and father and wife, who hates me for doing this – and the judges who have made a massive mistake.’

Second place prize of £2,000 went to 17-year-old Londoner Elliot Steel, the son of comic Mark who is already represented by one of the country’s biggest comedy agencies, Off The Kerb.

And the third prize of £1,000 went to Joe Hart, from Southampton, who describes himself as ‘two parts nerd, one part gay, and one part comedy.’ Manford praised his 'strong writing and good performance.'

So You ThinkYou’re Funny is run by the Gilded Balloon venue and is now in its 27th year. It is only open to acts who have been performing for less than 18 months.

Here is winner Strangeman performing at another gig:

Published: 21 Aug 2014