Scottish comics invited to apply now

A comedy producer is offering to fund one Scottish comedian’s debut at the Edinburgh Fringe for next year.

Brass Tacks Comedy has announced the return of its scheme after financing Edinburgh-based Ayo Adenekan’s Monkey Barrel show Black Mediocrity this year. He went on to share the best newcomer at the ISH Awards with Amelia Hamilton.

The Brass Tacks  fund was created to support comics in the face of expanding Fringe costs, and covers venue fees, registration fees, marketing and more.

Katie Palmer from Brass Tacks Comedy said: 'Ayo Adenekan is a fantastic example of a new comedian who felt priced out of the Fringe, despite it being on his doorstep. We were able to support Ayo with this fund to help him have a hugely successful run, and to see the way that his Fringe debut has catapulted his career since is so exciting.

'At the biggest arts festival in the world, on our doorstep, local talent is being priced out by the rising costs of performing at the Fringe. The talent that we're at risk of losing are voices from the working-class, voices from diverse, underrepresented groups and I would argue, those are the most interesting voices and the voices that audiences deserve the chance to hear.'

Adenekan, pictured, said: 'Getting to debut at the Fringe this year without the financial concerns absolutely changed my career. I would not have been able to afford the marketing, the press, the posters, the street team.'

The fund - backed by Red Bull – covers upfront costs including registration, venue hire, PR support, street team, printing and technician costs – but accommodation is not included. Applicants must be Scottish or have lived in Scotland for two years and be performing regularly on the Scottish circuit.

 Applications are open here and close on January 15.

Published: 10 Dec 2025