Fourth nomination proves lucky as Chris Cantrill wins Edinburgh comedy award 2026

The Edinburgh fringe's comedy award, often called the 'Oscar of live comedy', has been won this year by 42-year-old Bradford comedian Chris Cantrill. He receives the honour two years after his comedy partner Amy Gledhill, one half of the double act The Delightful Sausage, won the same prize.

Cantrill's winning show, 'Rewilding', follows his new life in rural Northumberland, where an act of vandalism disturbs the local community and spirals into a spoof whodunnit. The show builds on his 2024 piece 'Easily Swayed', which chronicled his move to the countryside and earned him his third nomination for the award — his first as a solo performer.

The best newcomer prize went to Limerick-born comic Marty Gleeson for her show 'Dog Ear', drawing on her experiences at art school. The set features live bodhrán accompaniment and a moment in which she shakes hands with every audience member.

Both prizes have historically served as launchpads for major careers in British comedy. Past winners of the main award include Steve Coogan, Frank Skinner and Bridget Christie, while previous best newcomer recipients include Harry Hill and Sarah Millican.

This year's panel prize, which honours initiatives capturing 'the spirit of the fringe', went to 'One Joke', an event in which 60 comedians each told a single joke over the course of an hour, raising money for charity.

Festival organisers, theatre producer Nica Burns and new executive director Emma Brünjes, said both winners were exceptional comedians, writers and performers. The awards were chosen from more than 550 eligible shows, part of a festival that registered just over 4,200 shows across 299 venues this year. Cantrill receives £10,000 as best show winner, while Gleeson receives £5,000 for best newcomer. Nominees will also feature in a special showcase on BBC Radio 4.