Edinburgh Fringe showcase for working-class comedians

Best In Class have announced the lineup for their 2025 Edinburgh Fringe showcase of working-class comedians

They are:

Shawn Uyosa: A Nigerian-born Irish comedian who has been performing stand up since he was 17 years old and who was picked by The Irish Times as one of Three Comedians To Watch In 2024

Hannah Weetman: Self-deprecating winner of the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award 2022. 

Matt Pugsley:  Bristolian whose material is described as ‘a relatable romp through stories of working class misadventure and unorthodox approaches to dealing with whatever life throws his way.’

Justina Seselskaite: A Lithuanian comedian, who has become an adopted Manchurian. Winner of British Comedy Guide’s Talent Award and So You Think You’re Funny? finalist in 2022

Ibs Sesay:  A North London-based comedian who ‘finds humour in life’s broken aspects: beds, body parts, and Britain’.

Gabrielle MacPherson: Previous finalist in competitions run by Leicester Square Theatre and The Stand Up Club in London 

Danny Scott: Kent-born comedian who was a finalist in Bath New Act Of The Year  

Al Stevenson:  Newcastle lad who was a finalist in the Beat The Frog World Series and who has been tour support for Mark Nelson.

Running since 2018, Best in Class has won both the Edinburgh Comedy Award and the Ish Edinburgh Comedy Award.

Founder Sian Davies, above, said: ‘As costs rise many working class acts are priced out of performing at the Fringe, meaning it is in danger of becoming an even more elitist festival, played only by Footlights members, Eton graduates and people whose parents have their own Wikipedia entries. 

‘It’s been proven time and again that when working-class acts are given a seat at the table, we have the talent to excel. Best in Class offers a tangible way of challenging the status quo. 

‘I would encourage anyone who feels frustrated with the current system and lack of working class representation in comedy to make a donation to support what we do. Even the nepo babies!

‘I’m blown away by how much Best in Class has grown. It goes to show there is a real need for working-class comics to tell their stories at the Fringe. The audiences are craving relatability and they see themselves reflected in our acts. 

‘When I started this, it was because I felt excluded from the comedy industry, due to being working -lass. Now we have a program that is an integral part of The Fringe landscape and we’ve created a community of working class comics across the UK. Each year the new cohort surprises me with their ability, talent and tenacity. I am thrilled to be working with the new squad and can’t wait to get to know them all better.;

A record 150 comedians applied for this year’s scheme. During August the successful applicants will perform as a mixed bill on a rotating line up, at  The Three Sisters, at 7pm daily.

Some of the new recruits will be performing at the Leicester Comedy Festival  on Saturday at a bumper fundraising show also featuring Angela Barnes, Sikisa and Alison Spittle. Tickets. 

You can make a donation to Best in Class here.

Published: 13 Feb 2025