The award winning, crowdfunded, profit sharing show champions the talent of working class comedians. Best in Class were awarded the Edinburgh Comedy Awards Panel Prize for their work in 2022.
Best In Class alumni have gone on to achieve fantastic successes within their comedy careers. With acts nominated for Best Show at the Edinburgh Fringe, appearing on TV, signing with agents, developing BBC Radio shows and creating sell out shows with critical acclaim. Best In Class has been represented in the finals of some of the biggest comedy competitions in the UK including the BBC New Comedy Award, Funny Women Awards, Leicester Mercury Comedian of the year and So You Think You’re Funny?
John Meagher, part of Best in Class 2022 took to Twitter to say: “This was one of the best experiences in my comedy career.”
The opportunity offers a seven month programme for working class comedians to work as a collective, culminating in a show at the Edinburgh Fringe. Acts will produce and perform at fundraising gigs throughout 2023, and be involved in everything from press releases to poster design. A key part of the scheme is that everyone is paid for the work they do.
Best in Class already have 2023 shows planned for Leicester Comedy Festival, Vault Festival and Brighton Fringe as well as their ongoing shows at Soho Theatre and a special online show as part of the Next Up Access Festival.
Founder of Best in Class, Sian Davies said “If you’re working class and feel like the fringe is out of reach, this project is for you. If you want the opportunity to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe whilst being part of an award winning network of comedians, this is your chance. If you can commit to being involved in the project during 2023 we can’t wait to see your application.”
Fundraising has always been a key element to the work of Best in Class. In 2022, as well as the Best in Class fringe show, they were able to support a further 20 working class comedians with accommodation grants during the fringe.
Donations to the 2023 campaign can be made here:
Another way to get behind Best in Class is buying tickets to one of their shows:
Applications to be part of Best in Class 2023 will close on 29/01/2023. Acts can find out more, check their eligibility, and apply to the scheme here:
https://forms.gle/xfXhUeYky4Go7xZW8
