Finalists named in Magners' Share The Craic competition

Five comedians will compete for a funded run at the Edinburgh Fringe this August, after a nationwide search that drew more than 500 entries.

The grand final of Magners’ Share the Craic competition takes place at Underbelly Boulevard in Central London on June 30, with the winner receiving a funded residency at Underbelly’s Wee Coo venue during the 2026 fringe

The five finalists are Tim Biglowe, who won in Birmingham; Adam Jones, winner in Bristol; Murph, who took the Manchester heat; Catriona Paterson, winner in Glasgow; and Ashlee Bentley, who won the London heat.

Whoever wins will face a tight turnaround: mounting a full hour-long show at the Fringe is a serious challenge for any new act, and doing so with only a few weeks’ notice makes it considerably harder. The winner will get from along with mentoring to help put the show together.

However they are not all entirely new. Biglowe already had a 50-minute show planned on the Free Fringe, following his first 50-minute show last year. And Jones is scheduled for a split bill with fellow comic Jess Lo. Paterson performed a cabaret show in 2014 under the name Wild Card Kitty while Bentley performed a 50-minute show for two weeks in 2015.

Phoebe Small, head of brand at Magners, said: ’To receive more than 500 entries has been incredible and shows just how much exciting comedy talent is out there waiting to be discovered. 

‘We’ve been blown away by the quality of performers we’ve seen throughout the heats and are thrilled to be bringing our final five together for one last showdown.’

’This is a chance to see some of the most exciting emerging comedians in the country performing for a genuinely career-changing opportunity.’

Marina Dixon, head of programming at Underbelly, added: ’It’s been brilliant to see the quality of the talent entering the competition and we can’t wait to help support the winner as they take that all-important next step in their career at the Edinburgh Fringe.’

The final, hosted by Joey Page, takes place on June 30 at 7.30pm, with tickets available through Underbelly’s website.

Published: 19 Jun 2026