Herald Angel for her stand-up show

Sophie Willan has won a Herald Angel award for her Edinburgh stand-up show Branded.

A number of accolades are handed out each week of the Fringe by the Herald newspaper ‘to recognise excellence in Edinburgh’s cultural feast’.

Willan said she was honoured to be recognised, adding: ‘My background as a theatre maker and now stand up comedian means I have quite a rebellious approach to my solo work. 

‘Apparently, we're not supposed to mix the two genres - well why not I say? I want to take risks, challenge social issues head on and give the audience a unique and personal experience - and this award is a wonderful validation of that rebellion.’

Willan’s second stand up show Branded is on at the Pleasance Courtyard and is about how she feels constantly judged by her working class background, by her gender, her fearless ambition, and her unapologetic 'Northernness'.  

She was brought up by a heroin addict mother and last year spoke of her experiences in the care system in a show that helped secure her a Chortle Best Newcomer nomination.

Other Herald Angel winners recognised at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre this morning included Adam Kashmiry for his role in the transgender drama Adam and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland  for their show Atlantic: America And The Great War.

Published: 12 Aug 2017