Plus Best In Class reveal their 2025 line-up

Character comedian Ted Milligan has been given financial backing for his Edinburgh Fringe show from London’s Seven Dials Playhouse.

The news comes as the Best in Class initiative also announces the working-class comedians taking part in its festival showcase.

Milligan’s show United is one of seven shows selected to be part of the London theatre’s 7from7 artist development scheme – and the only one from a comedian. The package includes receives free rehearsal space, financial backing and bespoke mentoring.

Milligan said it ‘means that we can develop the show to the best of its ability and full potential. I really, really appreciate this enormously and can't wait’.

The other shows selected are Brainsluts, a psychological farce set in a clinical drugs trial; Kanpur: 1857, a satire retelling India’s uprising; Hold The Line  a comedy drama  based upon true events of working in a NHS111 call centre;  Eat the Rich (But Maybe Not Me Mates X) a ‘sharp, socially conscious comedy drama in the spirit of Sex Education and Big Boys, with the satirical tone of Chewing Gum;  House Party, a one-woman dance-fuelled show about housing and gentrification; and the urreal, high-energy physical comedy Dusty Creases: Dance Your Life Away.

Meanwhile, Best in Class –  established in 2018 by comedian Sian Davies to help working-class comedians overcome the financial obstacles associated with performing at the Fringe – has announced the comics taking part in its showcase.

The show’s are crowdfunded (donate here) to ensure the comedians costs are covered, as well as providing payment for their performances Separately, a bursary helps working-class comedians produce their own shows at the Fringe.

One of the comics taking part, Matt Pugsley, said: ‘As a working-class comedian, I love watching and performing alongside acts whose stories and backgrounds I can relate to. That’s why I'm so excited to be performing at Best in Class this year, and am proud to be involved with an organisation that doesn’t just talk about change, but actively instigates it by making the Fringe accessible to acts from working class backgrounds.’ 

The Best in Class showcase takes place at Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters at 7pm during the Fringe. Here’s this year’s line-up, with blurbs they provided:

Danny Scott

A high energy, off the wall observational comedian, and praised as "Very Funny" by James Acaster. Danny is Kent born and bred, currently operating on around 87% caffeine. Danny Scott was finalist in Bath New Act of the Year and semi finalist in the Max Turner Prize. He’s also provided TV Warm up for both seasons of Live at the Queer Comedy Club.

Matt Pugsley

Proud Bristolian, Matt Pugsley, may look no nonsense - but he finds the nonsense in everything. Pugsley is "Funny and witty" (BBC Sounds) and takes audiences on a relatable romp through stories of working class misadventure. From observation quips to uproarious storytelling, from morose to mischievous, he is a versatile performer, guaranteed to be engaging and hilarious throughout.

Justina Seselskaite

"A cheerily engaging presence" (Chortle). Justina is a Lithuanian comedian, who has become an adopted Manc. She’s a winner of British Comedy Guide’s Talent Award and a So You Think You’re Funny? finalist. This rising star has supported Hayley Ellis on tour, been seen on BBC iPlayer and heard on BBC Radio Manchester.

Al Stevenson

"Absolutely fantastic, brilliant jokes and a stage presence beyond his years." (Jack Whitehall). Al Stevenson is a sharp-witted lad from Newcastle with "bulletproof confidence" (The Stand). His tongue in cheek charm allows him to tear through the audience with a cheeky grin. Stevenson was a finalist in the Beat The Frog World Series and performed as tour support for Mark Nelson and Kevin James Thornton.

Ibs Sesay

Runner up in the Max Turner Prize, Ibs is a North London-based comedian who finds humor in life’s broken aspects: beds, body parts and Britain.  With performances at the Wandsworth Fringe and a four-star reviewed show, Organised Chaos, Ibs continues to captivate audiences with his sharp wit and unique perspective.

Gabrielle MacPherson

Always preparing for the worst, just hoping not to get murdered. Let Gabrielle take you through her preparations for life; a hammer and Vaseline, fighting ostriches and farting through keyholes. She has been a finalist in competitions at Leicester Square Theatre and The Stand Up Club, a semi finalist in So You Think You’re Funny? And placed third in the Max Turner Prize. "Delightfully deadpan, skillfully surreal, and very bloody funny!" Maisie Adam.

Hannah Weetman

Self-deprecating with a huge head and awful accent. Winner of the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award 2022. Shortlisted BBC New Act 2023. Runner up in the 2019 Best New Act category in the West Midlands Comedy Awards. 3rd in the egg and spoon race 2004.

Shawn Uyosa 

Shawn Uyosa is a Nigerian born Irish comedian who has won Ireland's Best New Act competition at the Bray Comedy Festival in 2020 and The Comedy Cavern's Cork Comedian Of The Year competition in 2023. Shawn was also picked by The Irish Times as one of Three Comedians To Watch In 2024, and by LadBible Ireland as One Of The Acts They’re Most Looking Forward To Seeing.

Published: 4 Jun 2025