Cash prize for every ISH Edinburgh Comedy Award thanks to sponsors

Rhod Gilbert and Patrick Monahan have both stumped up prizes for this year’s ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

Organisers Nathan Cassidy and Sarah Bowles, plus Nottinghamshire youth community radio station Takeover Radio 106.9FM, have also put up money to ensure all winners get a cash payment. 

They follow in the footsteps of Elf Lyons who, as previously announced, donated £500 for a prize for the most innovative technician and operator.

Gilbert has put up £500 for the Panel Prize, which rewards anything beyond the shows themselves that happen at the Fringe, with organisers saying it has a focus on 'artists supporting artists'. 

Gilbert said: 'Over the last 20-odd years I've spent many fun, exciting but mainly gruelling months of my life performing at the Fringe.  So many people come together to make this wondrous slog happen.  The ISH Panel Prize aims to reward the unsung heroes of the Fringe, those beavering away out of the spotlight, making life for performers that little bit easier, cheaper, more fun or even just making it possible; here’s to them.'

Monahan, above, who has hosted the last two ISH award ceremonies is giving a £250 cash prize to the best newcomer, plus two tour support slots offering £125 each. He said: ‘The most important thing about standup is performing live, about giving the best performance you can each and every night. And always take the cash over any award! If you don’t win this one, don’t worry, go and buy a scratchcard afterwards, you can still win!’

Takeover Radio is putting up the cash for the new Joke Of The Fringe award, added following the cancellation of the same accolade from broadcaster Dave.

And the best show award will be funded by ISH awards founder Nathan Cassidy and producer Sarah Bowles, partly from two showcases being stage at the Counting House Ballroom on August 16 and 20,

Cassidy said: ‘We couldn't really ask others to give additional monetary support for the Awards if we weren't prepared to do that ourselves.  We are an artistic community, and the only way to face the challenges we face as a community is to support each other in new ways. 

‘Phoebe Waller-Bridge showed the way with the edfringe grants. There are so many people in a position to give back, and I am so immensely proud that we have all these people and organisations stepping up to support other artists.  This is the ethos of the ISH Awards, artists supporting artists, and if you're an artist in a position to help us, please get in touch.'

To be eligible for the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards, shows must be under the primary category of Comedy, be 45 minutes or more and not be compilation shows. Certain shows with short runs aren't eligible as the volunteer judges long-list shows on August 15. Visit the website  for more information.  

Published: 30 Jul 2025