Banneret Award celebrates working-class comics in shortlist
The best working-class acts at the Fringe are up for the award, which comes with £1,500 in prize money
The Banneret Award has announced its shortlist of 16 stand-ups performing at the Fringe this year, all of whom come from a working-class background. The winner of the award will be announced on Monday 24 August at a special ceremony at Bannerman’s.
Intended to celebrate working-class performers, the award recognises the additional financial risk that the Fringe places on those with fewer financial safety nets. According to a press release, the award ‘celebrates the sacrifice of the these performers', and includes a £1,500 cash prize.
The awards have been devised by London Arts Facilitation Society, a creative hub and funding platform with a particular interest in supporting working-class performers.
Here’s the shortlist in full:
Olivia Xing
Andrea Coleman
Marc Salmon
Prateek Kohli
Richard Woolford
Anna Thomas (pictured above)
Emmy Fyles
Jo Jarvie
Tom Little
David Hoskin
Justina Seselkaite
Crudi Dench
Julian Hernandez
Steven Catling
Lukas Mientjes
Alex La
‘This award is about amplifying the voice of those brave enough to risk it all for a month of no work and high costs, just to get their art seen,’ claim representatives for LAFS. ‘Support for LAFS is support for those who fight hard to get their voices heard.’
LAFS is also hosting an hour-long comedy show every day until Monday 31 August: 1 Hour Of LAFS, a mixed bill showcasing acts eligible for the Banneret Award, at Hoots @ Nicolson Square.
LAFS Banneret Award Ceremony, Bannerman’s, Monday 24 August, 7.30pm.