Edinburgh Comedy Winner Amy Gledhill’s Standup Poised for Breakout Success

Amy Gledhill has won the Edinburgh comedy award, joining an elite group that includes Tim Key, Bridget Christie, Hannah Gadsby, and more. Her victory is celebrated not just by fans but also by her fellow nominee, Chris Cantrill. Together, they form the sketch act, The Delightful Sausage, known for their camaraderie. By winning the award, Gledhill becomes the sixth solo female recipient in a notable year where male comedians were outnumbered. Remarkably, she performed for only half the festival’s duration but still secured the award.

Although some may argue that Gledhill’s winning show, “Make Me Look Fit on the Poster,” wasn’t the best in town this year or even the best on the shortlist, her talent is undeniable. Nica Burns, the awards producer, praised her show for its humor and heart, qualities also evident in Gledhill’s 2022 debut. This year’s performance mixed self-deprecating humor with reflections on self-perception, though some elements felt underdeveloped. Despite that, Burns’ endorsement of Gledhill suggests she has the potential to become a popular breakout star.

Is the award merely about identifying the best show, or is it about finding the act most likely to achieve widespread fame? This is a question worth pondering. As the comedy award navigates financial challenges and sponsorship difficulties, selecting acts with mainstream appeal might benefit the award’s reputation. For instance, Joe Kent-Walters’ win as best newcomer this year signifies the quality of talent acknowledged by these awards.

Recent shifts in the comedy scene, such as the high costs for artists attending the festival and the waning status of the Edinburgh Fringe, make these considerations more pressing. The decline in TV comedy production and the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, a festival sponsor, have transformed how comedic stars emerge. The global success of Richard Gadd, known for “Baby Reindeer,” and the return of breakout talent Rose Matafeo further illustrate these changes.

It’s increasingly rare for previous nominees to return for another shot at the main prize. This trend might indicate that Edinburgh is no longer the definitive career launchpad it once was. Notably, Jordan Brookes and Rose Matafeo, both former winners, could have contended for the best comedy show title this year if previous champions were eligible. In their stead, acts like John Tothill, who faced a challenging festival due to a health issue, or Flo & Joan, with their unique musical parody, might have had a chance.

Among this year’s shortlisted acts, Catherine Bohart’s set on early midlife angst and Natalie Palamides’ romcom spoof, “Weer,” stood out for their distinctiveness. Cantrill’s show also garnered praise. As the festival comes to a close, it’s clear that the spirit and vibrancy of the Edinburgh Fringe remain strong. Congratulations to Amy Gledhill for her well-deserved win, and anticipation is high to see how she will continue to shine in her burgeoning comedy career.

Source: The Guardian