Best in Class received the Edinburgh Comedy Awards Panel Prize in 2022 and since then have helped
over 30 working class comedians to perform at the Fringe. This year Best in Class are back at the
Edinburgh Fringe with an incredible line up of some of the best working class comics in the UK.
Lee Hudson (Comedian & BIC allumni):
“Best In Class is such an important initiative, as I feel that working class voices are so
underrepresented at the Fringe yet have some of the most interesting stories to tell. The bursary is a
huge help towards the costs at a time when everything in life is becoming more expensive, not just
the Fringe!”
BIC was set up in 2018 by Sian Davies, who was frustrated by the financial barriers working class
comedians face. Her idea was to set up a show where the performance costs are covered and all acts
are paid. This was achieved by tireless fundraising and enthusiasm for the cause, which was paid off
with packed out shows, excellent reviews and winning the Dave Comedy Award in 2022.
Sian Davies (Comedian & BIC Founder) says:
“We have another fantastic line up of rising working class talent on the Best in Class showcase this
year. I’m so excited to be working with the new acts and supporting them to find their voices at the
Fringe”
BIC has gone from strength to strength and now also provides a bursary for working class
comedians. This is separate to the BIC show and supports comedians working on their own Fringe
performances.
Both the BIC show and bursary are fully fundraised and crowd supported. You can support the cause
by donating here – https://www.gofundme.com/f/best-in-class-2024
Tickets for the show are Pay What You Can and available here – http://tickets.edfringe.com/whatson/best-in-class
This year’s incredible line up includes some of the most exciting acts on the circuit, including:
Amanda Hursy
Amanda Hursy is an original, fresh and distinctive voice that has been welcomed onto the
Scottish comedy scene. A household name in the making and hailed as “one of the best
rising stars” (Daily Record). Amanda has infectious warmth and boundless energy that
guarantees an unforgettable experience. An act who is unapologetically authentic and
extremely likeable.”Every punchline hits the mark, straight up, no messing, oozing
confidence” (The Stand comedy club).
Sam Ayinde
Sam Ayinde is a writer, comedian, grinder, hustler, Steve Jobs, Walt Disney and Kanye
West. “Expertly walks the tightrope of edgy yet inventive joke premises whilst remaining
likeable and not exclusionary. A genuine juggernaut of joke writing and telling who can hold
his own against seasoned pros easily” (Blizzard Comedy).
Kelly Rickard
Felt Nowt New Act of the Year Winner Kelly Rickard is “brutally honest and hilarious!” (Rosie
Ramsey). “Kelly is next year’s big star” (Creative Tourist). “This is one to take a chance on
and discover the next big thing before they even know it” (Manchester Wire). “Hilarious and
very poignant” (The Stand Newcastle).
Louis Etienne
Louis is a Bradford based comedian who likes to talk about race, sex and all things taboo.
Maxine Wade
A rising star of the northern comedy scene, Maxine combines political satire and her
trademark tongue in cheek blue humour with anecdotes of her time frontline nursing in the
NHS. BBC New Comedy Award Semi Finalist 2023, British Comedy Guide Comedian of the
Year Finalist 2023 and Yorkshire Comedy Awards Best Breakthrough Act 2023.
Sean Gorman
Sean’s deadpan delivery of self deprecating humour has the audience hanging on every
word. Sean can be seen performing at some of the most famous comedy clubs on the UK
circuit, including The Comedy Store, Downstairs At The Kings Head and The Stand Up Club,
as well as many other clubs across the UK and Europe.
Tasha Cluskey
Tasha Cluskey is an Essex based, cockney voiced Comedian. She has gone from cracking
people up by oversharing in beer gardens to oversharing on stage. She was a Semifinalist in
2022 NATYs, Finalist Rising Star New Act 2023, Semi Finalist Leicester Square 2033 and
Semi Finalist West End New Act 2023. Subtlety might not be her strong suit but leaving you
laughing definitely is. “She’s bold, brash and puts the spotlight directly on her in the very best
of ways” (The Crumb). “Funny, polished and professional” (Katherine Ryan)
Garrie Grubb
Garrie Grubb is an Essex based comedian who’s “stunningly funny material” and “perfect
delivery” (Edge mag) has seen him become a finalist in multiple competitions. “A real
technician of proper joke telling” (Geoff Norcott). Garrie also happens to be the only gay lorry
driver from Essex on the comedy circuit. Probably