As scores of stand-ups return from the Fringe battle-scarred and weary it’s time for the new crop of comedians to start the cycle again as they build to awards their own Edinburgh success.
One of the best things about this year’s Fringe was that the laid-back genius of Josh Pugh was finally recognised by the industry. A long-time favourite in the clubs, Pugh is a stand-up with an amazing knack for odd observations that are so accurate you can’t believe their not part of regular discourse. That he was nominated for the main prize at the Comedy Awards is a testament to what a terrific stand-up he is, and this looks like it will be his first gig outside of Scotland since the wild month he’s just had on a stellar lineup that is headed up by the incredible Daliso Chaponda, while Mich Ferry takes MC duties.
- Words:
- John Stansfield
- Published on:
- Mon 29 Aug 2022
Well, the festival is over and the scores of stars and awards have been announced, the bank balances are squinted at and as they wade through the detritus of ‘was it all worth it?’, a new crop of comedians begin work for next year’s festival.
Hopefully it will be an entirely different experience where more regional and working-class talent is supported and Edinburgh doesn’t just become a ‘landlord getting richer festival’ rather than a comedy one. Or maybe they’re just coming out to tell some jokes. Trying new stuff. Perfecting old gags. Reinventing themselves. The old open mic format might not always be the funniest night of comedy you’ll see, but it’ll be the most honest, and after a month of highs and lows in the Scottish capital, it’ll be good to see pure stand-up for the sake of it.