The show explores the comic’s life as a trans woman, taking in a comedy night in a care home and the standing stones of Cornwall.
Judges whittled down the over 500 eligible comedy shows at this year’s Fringe to Wednesday’s shortlist of nominations, identifying eight nominees for The Taffner Family Best Comedy Show and seven nominees for The DLT Entertainment Best Newcomer.
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The judges also announced on Saturday this year’s panel prize, The Victoria Wood Award, presented to those who embody the true ‘spirit of the Fringe.’
Nica Burns CBE, Director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, said: “Our 2025 winners capture the spirit of comedy right now: bold, brilliant, and deeply connected to audiences. In very different ways, they’ve each created shows that feel utterly of this moment, sparking laughter while saying something lasting. Together, they remind us why the Fringe matters, a place where the freshest voices can shine. The future of British comedy is in excellent hands.”
“Sam Nicoresti’s Baby Doomer is a masterfully woven, polished and delightfully human show that captures an essential moment with, to paraphrase her words, laughs by the seconds. Packed with relatable set pieces that linger long after, Sam is a fresh, bright voice that we need in 2025.”
“Ayoade Bamgboye’s debut hour is electric, constantly keeping you on your toes. What begins as an everyday anecdote about the Co-Op unfolds into a rich, often surreal world, layered with profound emotional depth. She delivers it all with remarkable charisma and presence. Ayoade has a brilliant future ahead of her.”
Sam Bryant, Chair of the judging panel, said: “I know I speak for the whole panel when I say what a massive privilege and joy it’s been to see so much incredible live comedy here.
“It is paramount that we make sure new young audiences get that live comedy bug too – and that young people keep making the same realisation that all the comedians here made at some point in their lives, that performing comedy is something that could be for them, whatever their backgrounds.
This year’s Victoria Wood Foundation prize is going to an organisation that’s spent the last 20 years dedicated to exactly that idea. Founded right here at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, they run live shows for kids and families across the country, shows in which many previous winners and nominees of these awards have taken part. They also run workshops teaching kids the basics of stand-up comedy, helping their confidence and wellbeing, as well as creating new generations of comedians – in fact, some of the graduates are here this year as performers as well as audience members.
“This Award will help fund their Community Interest Company, which will create comedy workshops and shows right here in Edinburgh, with a specific remit to increase access for kids from lower-income backgrounds.”
Edinburgh Comedy Award winners:
The Taffner Family Best Comedy Show
Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer
The DLT Entertainment Best Newcomer
Ayoade Bamgboye: Swings and Roundabouts
The Victoria Wood Award
Comedy Club 4 Kids