For a while it looked as if the Edinburgh Comedy Awards might not happen this year. Would it have mattered?

For a while, it looked as if the Edinburgh Comedy Awards might not take place this year… What do you think about comedy awards?

Ambivalent
Anu Vaidyanathan: Blimp, Underbelly Bristo Square, 7:15pm

I believe that arts awards can be an important way to shine a light on new performers as a way to boost their profile and publicise their projects. However, too often shows are overlooked and not even considered unless they already have a publicist working to get them known. If the awards are being used to highlight new talent, then they are worthwhile otherwise they are just another tool of advertisement.
Alexander Richmond: One Man 12 Angry Men, City Cafe, 2.25pm

While the awards are a significant recognition, their absence wouldn’t  diminish the value or talent at the Fringe. Comedy is subjective and every show brings something unique to the table
J Murphy, A Tinderella Story: Swipe, Wince, Repeat, Just The Tonic @ The Grassmarket, 10pm

The fewer the awards the better. Competing with other artists only puts us in the wrong headspace.
Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson, Assembly George Square, 1:40pm

The chances of even making the shortlist are about as likely as a snowball surviving hell but it's still nice to have something to daydream about on long days when you bomb a preview and question all your life choices.
Colleen Lavin: Do the robots think I'm funny?, Greenside Riddles Court Clover Studio, various times

The comedy awards bring an element of excitement, opportunity and reward for an insane amount of work being done. Of course we don't do comedy for the awards but the potential benefits to someone's career are too big to ignore and without that potential there would definitely a change in goals through the festival.
Zoe Brownstone & Dom McGovern: Tied for Second , Just The Tonic Subatomic  4:30pm

The absence of the prize would have felt like a bit of a death knell for the fringe. However, if less professional acts are drawn to it because of the lack of prestige, perhaps that'll make it more open and less inaccessible/elite as it has become. Or it could just become a horror show of chaos and terrible performance art, which if you speak to some people, it already is.
Ruth Hunter: The Ruth is on Fire, The Banshee Labyrinth, 5:10pm

If the awards don't happen, it makes you question what is the point of the fringe? For someone like me: a regular Fringe comic who never expects to even have the panel watch my show never mind be nominated, it's not much different: I go to the Fringe to put on shows, make audiences laugh, and make money.. But for most acts who are paying exploitative rates in renting their room, renting their accommodation, paying for flyering staff, PR etc etc, they are gambling on being potentially nominated for the award and having their lives changed permanently.  A few 4 and 5* reviews can help a career but it wouldn’t be worth the £10,000 investment without the possibility of a life-changing nomination.
Raul Kohli: Full Inglish, City Cafe 4.55pm

The comedy awards have helped launch the careers of many great comedians, and generally drive people towards good work.
Michael Kunze: Infinity Mirror, Laughing Horse at Three Sisters, 11am

I honestly do not care whatsoever. I  have been doing the Fringe since 2014, every year my audiences have grown
George Zacharopoulos: Wonderland, Pleasance Dome, 8:30pm

The awards are a really exciting opportunity for people to have their careers fast tracked, and can be a good motivator for comedians. I’m curious what a Fringe would feel like without that looming presence and feeling of direct competition between performers… nice maybe? Ultimately I hope they remain, but I will also try my damndest to remember they’re not the only measure of success. Kathy Maniura: Objectified , Gilded Balloon Teviot, 4.40pm

Getting a nomination or winning an Oscar sounds fantastic, but should you live your life chasing one? probably not.
Jaz Mattu Emerges, The Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose, 3pm

Awards for artistic endeavour are basically pointless
Ciaran Bartlett's Machine Gun Of Filth, Gilded Balloon Teviot, 10:30pm

If they didn’t happen, it would be a shame no one would get that extra boost and recognition.  Having said that, losing the award may be good for the mental health and experience of many acts - particularly newcomers - who will be able to focus on their shows without worrying about nominations etc.
Matt Hutchinson: Hostile, Assembly George Square 2.30pm

The awards are a great way to promote those comedians whose work deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. But if the awards aren't there to highlight the best acts then something else will come in and takes it place. Word of mouth is more than enough to let everyone know what they need to see
Nathan D'Arcy Roberts Present/Tense, Gilded Balloon Teviot at 4:20pm

Published: 6 Aug 2023