The 99 Club has opened its annual bursary scheme, dedicated to promoting rising female and non-binary stars on the comedy circuit. This programme is open to all female and non-binary comics embarking on their first full-length solo show at the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and is a fantastic opportunity to advertise their acts in front of top industry professionals.

Five finalists will be shortlisted to perform in a July showcase. A panel of comedy experts will select the top two talents on the night, who will take home an award of £500 for their performances, with the other finalists receiving £100.

The 99 Club is the UK’s largest employer of comedians, and has been named London’s Best Comedy Club in the Chortle Awards for 10 years running. The club is dedicated to platforming diverse voices and always looks forward to collaborating with female & non-binary comics.

Past bursary winners have gone from gifted newcomers to accomplished TV stars, appearing on the country’s best loved shows such as Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Taskmaster and Comedy Central’s Roast Battle. This list includes the likes of Helen Bauer, Sikisa, Lara Ricote, Catherine Bohart, Sarah Keyworth, Sophie Duker, Janine Harouni and, most recently, Louise Atkinson and Priya Hall.

Details on how to apply can be found via the website: www.99clubcomedy.com/bursary. Applications close on 20th June.

Pictured - 2023's finalists – L-R Lorna Rose Treen, Priya Hall, Leila Navabi, Louise Atkinson, Alexandra Haddow.