Awards to be handed out by London comedy club

London's West End Comedy Club has launched a bursary to help working-class comedians heading for the Edinburgh Fringe.

The club will give one recipient £500 and four others £100 to help bring their first full lenght show to the festival.

Megan Porter, the club’s producer, said: ‘We believe that comedy should be a platform where everyone's voice can be heard, regardless of their background. However, individuals from working class communities still face some of the toughest barriers to entry. 

‘By launching this bursary, we hope to empower and provide opportunities for talented comedians who may otherwise struggle due to ever-worsening financial constraints. Our goal is to create a more inclusive and diverse comedy landscape, where the voices and experiences of working class performers can shine brightly.’

The scheme is a tie-up with the Best in Class initiative, which champions working-class comedians, and which won the Panel Prize at last year’s Edinburgh Comedy Award.

Founder Sian Davies said: ‘Anything to further support working-class artists within the comedy industry is welcomed. 

‘The cost of living crisis and spiralling rents have added to the systemic inequalities faced by working-class performers.  The Edinburgh Fringe is such a costly endeavour. It's great to see West End Comedy Club offering a tangible level of financial support to acts.’

Finalists will take place in a showcase gig at the club’s home at the Covent Garden Social Club at 5pm on Saturday July 8, as well as getting future gigs there.

Apply here by 11:59pm on Wednesday July 5.

Published: 29 Jun 2023