Three shows to win £5k prizes at this year's Fringe

The alternative ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards is to return with cash prizes, having secured a major sponsorship deal.

Jones Bootmaker is putting £15,000 into this year’s initiative, with £5,000 going to each of the winners of Best Show, Best Newcomer and the Panel Prize.

The ISH awards were founded by comedian Nathan Cassidy last year when it appeared the main Edinburgh Comedy Awards might be pulled over a lack of backing – although ultimately they went ahead. ISH initially stood for 'insert sponsor here'.

Under the new deal, ISH’s best newcomer and Panel Prize winners will receive the same prize as the long-running original, which gives £10,000 to the winner of its top award.

Cassidy said: ‘I am thrilled that the ISH Awards now has the backing of the very lovely people at Jones Bootmaker. There is an incredible amount of goodwill towards the awards from comedians, many of whom need more support. Being recognised in 2023 was a huge boost to their Fringe and for their future careers.’

A voluntary panel of judges sees every eligible comedy show for the ISH awards. Last year, the best show accolade was shared by Paul Foot and Julia Masli, while Dan Tiernan and Fiona Ridgewell shared the newcomer title.  The Panel Prize was won by Mark Simmons and Danny Ward for their work on A Show for Gareth Richards, which also won the same accolade at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

Awards producer Sarah Bowles said: ‘I am over the moon to have secured sponsorship this year and to carry on our support for comedians and the industry at a time where costs at the Edinburgh Fringe have ballooned.’

Dave Abbott, head of brand at Jones Bootmaker says: ‘We’re delighted to be stepping in as the sponsor of this year's Edinburgh Comedy Awards. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard-working performers who make the Edinburgh Fringe one of the best festivals in the world. They perform great stand-up, we design great shoes, it’s a perfect fit.’

Organisers will also be staging awards showcases at this year’s Fringe, every Thursday to Sunday at 11.30pm at The Counting House, as part of the Free Festival.

» ISH awards website

Published: 8 May 2024