Applications now open for public judges

The Edinburgh Comedy Awards have launched their annual appeal for die-hard comedy fans to join the judges.

Typically the panel features two or three members of the public who are given free travel and accommodation for the  Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

And in return they must watch at least six hours of comedy a day and report back to the awards team and fellow judges.  

Jake Helliwell who was a public panellist last year, said: ’Being on the judging panel was a fantastic experience that allowed me to see more comedy in a few weeks than I would otherwise manage in a year or two! I was able to see lots of existing favourites and discover many new ones too. 

‘It was great to meet so many people that are also passionate about comedy, whether fellow panelists, ex-panellists that are now part of the scout network, or just people I got chatting to. 

‘Watching that amount of comedy in such a short space of time – 110 hours in 24 days – and discussing in depth with other comedy nerds really developed my understanding. 

‘I can think of no better way for a true comedy fan to spend August right in the heart of Edinburgh, right in the heart of the comedy world!

Fellow public panellist Beth Moon – who helped pick Amy Gledhill, pictured, as winner of best show –said her experience ‘changed the shape of the Fringe for me forever’.

She added: ‘Obviously getting to see so many comedy shows, especially ones you would never have thought to go to otherwise, and discovering new favourite acts is an amazing part of the experience. However, the education I received by using a critical eye in reviewing comedy, and the knowledge gained from the discussions with the rest of the panel as we decided which shows stood out and why, made the month I spent on the panel absolutely invaluable and has changed how I digest comedy from now on. 

‘It was such a unique and exciting experience and, although it is exhausting and a lot of commitment and dedication over for intense weeks, I would do it again in a heartbeat.'

Panellists must be available to stay in Edinburgh from August 8 to 23. And to apply yo need to explain in around   350 words why you are the best candidate and write three short reviews, of no more than 150 words each, of three favourite live comedy acts, by midday on May 9.

Full details are on the .

Published: 3 May 2025