Some shows you plan to see. Others you stumble into. Best In Class was the latter for me — a spontaneous choice on a spare afternoon — and I’m very glad I went.
This regular Edinburgh Fringe staple champions working-class comedians, offering a rotating lineup of performers who might not otherwise have the financial means or connections to bring a full solo show to the festival. With no fixed ticket price (it’s “pay what you can”), Best In Class is both financially accessible and rooted in a powerful ethos: comedy should be for everyone — on and off the stage.
The line-up changes daily, and on the day I attended, the trio of comics consisted of compere Hannah Wheatman and performers Gabriella Pearson and Matt Pugsley. Gabriella hails from Cheshire, Matt from Bristol, while I’m unsure of Hannah’s roots — though she gave off the vibe of someone you’d easily chat to in a bus queue or over a cuppa during a rain delay.
Hannah set the tone brilliantly, warming up the crowd with charm, wit, and quick audience work that immediately made the space feel inclusive. Her observational humour had people chuckling before the show even got going properly.
Gabriella’s set drew from her Northern background, contrasting life in Cheshire with the grittier edges of Manchester — a routine peppered with references to class, drugs, and regional quirks. It landed well with the crowd and showcased her ability to mix the personal with the playful.
Matt’s delivery took a different route: no crowd work, just straight-up anecdotes and reflections from his life. His set was drier but thoughtful, offering a nice contrast to the other acts and showing the variety you can expect at Best In Class.
Of course, comedy is subjective — what tickles one person might totally miss for another. But judging by the audience’s response, this trio hit the mark. There was genuine laughter throughout, and Hannah’s warm hosting stitched it all together perfectly.
What makes Best In Class particularly important is the opportunity it gives performers who might otherwise be priced out of the Fringe. It’s no secret that bringing a show to Edinburgh is expensive — accommodation, venue hire, marketing — and for working-class creatives, the barriers can be enormous. This platform breaks down some of those walls, offering a valuable stage and a supportive structure.
Each night is different, so no two shows will be the same — but if you want an hour of honest, grassroots comedy with real heart and humour, Best In Class is an excellent bet. Plus, you’ll be supporting the kind of performers the industry needs more of.
⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 5 Stars
Funny, fresh, and full of heart – a must-see platform for rising talent.
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