Plus separate accolades for John-Luke Roberts and Eleanor Morton

Colin Hoult has won the Biggest Award In Comedy.

The comic won the massive two-metre inflatable trophy for his show Colin, which is the first time he has performed as himself rather than as his character Anna Mann or in sketch shows.

The award, which also comes with a £500 cash prize, is handed out by comedy streaming service NextUp.

Hoult said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to have been given this award. The NextUp family of viewers are a beautiful bunch of people - many of them came together during the lonely difficult times of the pandemic. 

‘I’m incredibly touched that this show has been so well received, particularly as this time I’ve been on stage as myself rather than as a character. It was such a big step for me to finally tell my own story and I’m so happy it’s connected with audiences and made so many people laugh.’

NextUp founder Sarah Henley added: ‘We’re over the moon that Colin Hoult has bagged this year’s win! Our members and panel clearly know what they’re doing, because they’ve chosen a show that’s an absolute masterclass in comedy… properly funny and with bags full of heart. 

‘The standard this year has been ridiculously high, so the fact that Colin came out on top in such a tight race is a real testament to his talent. We couldn’t be happier for him.’

Hoult was picked as winner by a combination of votes from NextUp’s audience and a panel of judges.

Meanwhile, John Luke Roberts and Eleanor Morton have won Besties awards 

Roberts took the Fringe Legend Award for his John-Luke-A-Palooza! show at Monkey Barrel, in which he performed every comedy show he’s ever previously done, a different one every night. 

And Morton won the so-called Terrier Award for her one-woman stand-up show Haunted House, also at Monkey Barrel.

The awards were handed out by The Skinny & Fest magazines, Capital Theatres and PR agency Premier Scotland. 

Published: 24 Aug 2024