Best in Class, the award-winning initiative supporting working-class comedians, has announced that applications are now open for its Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Showcase 2026.
The project will offer eight working class comedians the opportunity to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, alongside receiving extensive professional development and support in the lead-up to the festival.
Selected acts will take part in a structured programme covering every aspect of running a Fringe show. From writing press releases and marketing their work, to technical skills and navigating the realities of the festival. Crucially, none of the comedians pay to take part, and all are paid for the work they do.
Best in Class has become a proven training ground for working-class talent finding their feet at the Fringe. Alumni of the project have gone on to achieve significant success across the comedy industry, including Jen Nolan, Molly McGuinness, John Meagher and Sapphire McIntosh.
The showcase itself has received major recognition, winning panel prizes at the Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Awards and the Ish Comedy Awards, as well as securing funding from the Keep It Fringe Fund and the Fringe Recovery Fund. All prize money and funding is reinvested directly back into the project, enabling Best in Class to offer more bursaries, training and workshops to a growing network of working-class comedians.
Every element of Best in Class’s work is self-funded through ticket sales, fundraising events and public support. It is thanks to the generosity of audiences and donors that the project can continue to remove barriers for working class comedians.
2025 was a particularly challenging year for Best in Class, marking the first time the organisation saw a downturn in online donations and funds raised through live shows. As costs continue to rise across the comedy industry, public support is now more vital than ever.
Founder of Best in Class, Sian Davies said “Every year it gets more difficult for working class comedians. Costs keep rising and talent is squeezed out. Some of the best comedies were created by working class comedians, we are at risk of losing that heritage. If Caroline Aherne or Johnny Vegas were starting out now it's unlikely they could afford a Fringe run. Consider the impact of that on UK culture. There is so much talent out there and we have to find ways to nurture and platform it.”
To support Best in Class and the next generation of working-class comedy talent, donations can be made via: Best in Class Go Fund Me2026.
Upcoming fundraising shows:
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● 20th Feb - Leicester Comedy Festival. Tickets available here.
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● 19th March - Unity Liverpool. Tickets available here.
The shows will feature a mix of Best in Class alumni, current cohort members and special guest comedians, with all proceeds supporting the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe showcase.
Co-Director of Best in Class, Dani Johns said: “Our pre-Edinburgh fundraisers are incredibly important. They allow us to kick off our in-person fundraising efforts while starting work with our latest cohort. Every ticket sold goes straight back into the project, helping us remove barriers and shape the future of working-class comedy.”
Working-class comedians interested in applying for Best in Class 2026 can find full eligibility details, FAQs and submit an application via: Best in Class Application 2026.
Applications open 19 December 2025 and close 12 January 2026.
Co-Director of Best in Class, Tom Mayhew said: “Every year we’re blown away by the number of applications we receive and the amount of incredible working class talent out there. Narrowing it down to our final eight is always tough, but it’s a real joy to see so many people applying. If you’re thinking about applying this year - please do.”
