Whimsical lineup revealed for Edinburgh Comedy Award 2026 shortlist

The nominees for this year's Edinburgh Comedy Award — often dubbed the "Oscars of comedy" — have been revealed, and whimsy dominates the list. Acts include performers exploring healing crystals, dreamy sheep-counting, and "mystery and messages," alongside the offbeat DIY comedy of TV veteran Spencer Jones.

The favourite for the main prize is Mexican-American comedian Lara Ricote, known for co-starring in Sam Campbell's Channel 4 mockumentary and for previously winning best newcomer at the fringe. Her show, Inkling, examines how she interprets signals and messages in life, complicated by her being hard of hearing at age 29.

Returning nominees include three-time nominee Chris Cantrill, Manchester comic Dan Tiernan with his show Quartz and All, and prop comedian Spencer Jones, who already has his own BBC series. The list also features Cornwall's Harriet Dyer, recently featured in the Halloween edition of Amazon Prime's Last One Laughing UK, and Singapore-born, UK-based Li Jin Hao, known for his dreamy philosophical style of comedy.

Notable omissions from the shortlist include Elf Lyons' acclaimed breakup show and the Radio 4 sketch trio Crybabies with their horror pastiche.

Best newcomer category

The best newcomer shortlist shows similar eccentricity, featuring Limerick comic Marty Gleeson, a quartet of American clowns, and a Birmingham teacher-turned-comedian whose show involves binding the audience together with wool. Other newcomer nominees include Dom McGovern, TV personality and fringe debutant Fatiha El-Ghorri, and several others.

Liz Lewin, chair of the judging panel and Netflix UK's director of comedy, said the nominees represent those shaping today's comedy scene. The awards ceremony takes place this Saturday, hosted by 2016 winner Richard Gadd. The best show prize is worth £10,000, while the best newcomer award carries a £5,000 prize.