The Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme hasn’t even been officially launched yet, but almost 3,500 shows have already been announced.
It can be a tricky proposition negotiating the sheer quantity of what’s on offer but there’s something to be said for opting for performers who have a winning record – and there’s no bigger prize in British comedy than the Edinburgh Comedy Award.
Launched in 1981, the award is presented to the comedy show judged to have been the best at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is recognised as the most prestigious comedy prize in the UK.
Formerly known as the Perrier Award, it is designed to promote acts that have yet to become household names, so comedians judged to have ‘star status’ are not eligible - for instance if they have a show on a major television channel or can regularly fill a 500-set venue.
The first winners were a talent-packed Cambridge Footlights featuring Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Tony Slattery and Emma Thompson, while other names catapulted to fame by the award over the years include Steve Coogan, Jenny Eclair, The League of Gentlemen, Dylan Moran, Al Murray, Tim Key, and Emmy-winning Baby Reindeer star Richard Gadd.
A Best Newcomer Award was added in 1992, followed by a Panel Prize in 2006 - for those who have made a particularly special contribution to the Fringe Festival.
Here are all 18 previous winners you can see in Edinburgh this year so far.
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1. Sam Nicoresti
Sam Nicoresti won last year's Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show, becoming the first trans comedian to lift the Oscar of comedy. If you didn't get the chance to see 'Baby Doomer' in 2025 there's another chance this year, with performances at the Pleasance Courtyard from August 15-19. | Getty Images
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2. Frank Skinner
One of the most recognisable faces in British comedy, Frank Skinner won the Perrier Award way back in 1991. He's bringing a work in progress show to Assembly George Square from August 5-16, giving you the chance to see him in action for just £12.50. | Getty Images
3. Jordan Brookes
Officially the longest-reigning Edinburgh Comedy Award winner of all time (he won in 2019 before the global pandemic led to a three year break before the prize was awarded again), Jordan Brookes is back in Edinburgh with his new show called 'The Part of You That's Always Screaming'. "The award-winning Elvis of comedy continues his residency at the gates of Hell, with a new show inspired by an absolutely shocking incident on a train. Have you ever felt seen and unseen at the same time? Have you ever wondered what's lurking just in the corner of your vision? Yeah me too, what is that? What IS that??". See him at the Pleasance Dome from August 5-30. | Getty Images
4. Phil Nichol
Canadian standup and songwriter Phil Nichol won the main award in 2006 for 'The Naked Racist' and is marking its anniversary by bringing it back to this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the Gilded Balloon from August 5-18. He also has a new show, 'Aren't We Lucky', at the same venue from August 5-30. And if that's not enough Phil for you then he'll be hosting mixed bill show 'Cray Cray Cabaret' at the Voodoo Rooms from August 18-30. | Getty Images