First award from West End Comedy Club

Comic Alexandra Haddow has been awarded a £500 bursary for working-class comedians heading to the Fringe.

The Corby-born stand-up won the prize at the West End Comedy Club in London last night – to add to a £100 she received from the 99 Club for a female bursary scheme last month.

She said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award. It is a tremedous honour to be recognised and supported.

‘This bursary provides helpful financial assistance, making the cost of the Edinburgh Fringe slightly easier. I am grateful for such initiatives that uplift and empower working class acts like myself.’

Other finalists who appeared in the showcase  were Louise Atkinson, Jodie Mitchell, William Stone and Lachlan Wener – who each receive £100.

Joy Hunter, a producer at West End Comedy Club who was also on the judging panel said: ‘It is inspiring to witness the diverse wealth of talent among working class comedians, and we are proud to provide them with a platform. 

‘Many performers face significant financial barriers in comedy, particularly when taking a show up to the fringe. This bursary is a small but step towards levelling the playing field.’

Also on the panel were comedians Sikisa and John Meagher

The bursary, which is new this year, is aimed at comedians taking their first full-length solo show to the Fringe next month. The club, which runs four nights a week  hopes to run the award annually. 

Published: 10 Jul 2023