Longstanding head Nica Burns looks to the future

The Edinburgh Comedy Award has a new ‘executive director’ as its boss Nica Burns has started planning for their long-term future.

Emma Brünjes, who has been producer of the awards for 16 years, will step up to the more senior position. 

Burns took over the embryonic Perrier Awards, as they were then called, in 1984, and steered them through many changes of sponsor – and stepped in several times to sponsor them herself when needed. She will remain involved in the awards in support of Brünjes

Burns, 71, said: ‘Looking ahead to the 50th Edinburgh Comedy Awards, only four years away in 2030, made me think about what the awards would look like at 75 and then 100 years. 

‘As I realised I might not be at the 75th anniversary, I needed to put a long-term leadership plan in place with a leader who would be as passionate and committed to the awards as I am. Someone highly respected throughout the comedy community, well liked, creative and thorough, a great judge of talent and an excellent, all round producer. Step forward our new executive director Emma Brünjes.’

Brünjes responded: ‘Working alongside Nica for the past 16 years and witnessing her fierce commitment to live comedy and the next generation of talent has been an extraordinary education. 

‘Accepting the baton from her is both a huge honour and a tremendous responsibility. My role is to protect that legacy, nurture it and help ensure these remarkable awards continue to discover and spotlight exceptional new talent for many years to come.’

Separately, long-standing Edinburgh Comedy Awards producer Laurence Miller, who has been a part of the team from 1991 to 2025, will now take on the role of awards producer emeritus.

Burns started at Edinburgh producing her own work as a young actress, using her then life savings of £600. A good review in The Scotsman sold the show out, ending in a profit of £48, which she split with director Colin Watkeys. 

Burns was artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse from 1983 to 1989, putting on late night comedy on Fridays and Saturdays.

In 2005, she founded Nimax Theatres with business partner Max Weitzenhoffer. They own and run the Palace, Lyric, Apollo, Garrick, Vaudeville and Duchess Theatres in the heart of London’s West End. They opened @sohoplace on the Charing Cross Road in 2022 and was made a CBE for services to theatre in 2024.

Published: 9 Aug 2026