NextUp are thrilled to announce that the winner of the Biggest Award in Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 is Lindsey Santoro with her show Pink Tinge. The winner was decided by audience voting and a panel of NextUp judges over the last three weeks.
Lindsey receives a 2 metre 1cm inflatable trophy (literally the biggest award in comedy, and 1cm bigger than last year), plus:
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an electric pump and a carry case so the award can be proudly displayed anywhere
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£500
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The option to have their special recorded for the NextUp Platform
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The option of a slot on RHLSTP
On hearing she won, Lindsey said: “What on earth is going on? I am absolutely thrilled to bits! As a daft commoner, I'm so elated that others find me funny rather than unhinged - it's a fine line and it's good to know I'm just about on the right side of it. What am I meant to do with this giant trophy? I'm going to have to leave my toddler in Edinburgh so I can wedge it in the car. Thank you so much Next Up! Overjoyed! What a wild ride this Fringe has been.”
The three runners up for the award are ‘Crushing’ by Ian Smith, ‘Hubba Hubba’ by Tom Lawrinson and ‘Feral’ by Louise Young.
Amy Williams, Producer at NextUp says: “Our aim with these awards is the same as the aim of our platform - to highlight incredible talent to comedy fans, in particular names people might not have heard of…yet! Lindsey had us crying with laughter from the smear test material all the way to the end of her show. She’s so at home on stage and so joyful in her delivery, you can’t help but love her. The runners up all had incredible shows too - ‘Crushing’ was written and delivered to perfection by Ian (we think he’s about to blow), Tom Lawrinson’s unique take leading to totally unexpected punchlines had us in stitches - the Harry Potter material was gold, and Louise Young’s ‘Feral’ was another absolutely brilliant debut, with hilarious stories drawn from Louise’s chaotic life. It’s been a fantastic Fringe.”
And Richard Herring adds: “RHLSTP is very proud to have supported the biggest prize in comedy and the only award to find objectively the actual best shows at the Fringe. Congrats to Lindsey and all the runners-up who will hopefully all be guests on RHLSTP at some point. Please don’t let the prize money ruin your life - spend it wisely.’
If you’re keen to catch the winning show, Lindsey’s on at the Pleasance Courtyard until the 27th. Tickets available here.
As well as organising the Biggest Award in Comedy, NextUp have live streamed over 60 shows from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Upcoming live shows include Sikisa (25th), Phil Ellis (25th), Abandoman (25th), Liam Withnail (26th), Dan Tiernan (26th) and Hal Cruttenden (27th).
