Breakthrough Irish comedian takes prize at Edinburgh Comedy Awards

Marty Gleeson, an emerging Irish comedian, has been named the winner of the Best Newcomer award at the 46th Edinburgh Comedy Awards. Her performance, titled Dog Ear, drew praise for its unique blend of dry humor and surreal storytelling, rooted in her experiences during art school in Limerick. Gleeson, who has previously been recognized as a BBC New Comedian and a finalist in the Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award, also received the title of LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year in 2024. Alongside Gleeson, SNL UK writer Chris Cantrill took home the Best Comedy Show award for his piece Rewilding. The show, described as a “twisted tale,” explores the disruption of a tranquil rural community by an act of vandalism. Cantrill's victory marks his fourth nomination for the prestigious award, following earlier entries in 2019 and 2022 as part of the comedic duo The Delightful Sausage with Amy Gledhill, and another in 2024 for his solo work at the Edinburgh Fringe. His win includes a prize of £10,000 (approximately €11,700). The ceremony, held at the Edinburgh Festival, featured performances by notable figures including Richard Gadd, who previously won the Best Comedy award in 2016, and Ayoade Bamgboye, who claimed the Best Newcomer award in 2023. Gadd and Bamgboye co-hosted the event, highlighting the legacy of past winners while celebrating current talents. Among other recognitions, the charity benefit show One Joke was honored with the Panel Prize for embodying the spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe. The show saw 60 comedians perform a single joke before departing the stage, and it was produced by Benjamin Alborough and Ellie BW of Liebenspiel. Both the Best Newcomer and Panel Prize winners received £5,000 each. The awards were judged by a panel chaired by Liz Lewin, the director of comedy series at Netflix UK. She praised the thoughtful and engaging nature of the judging process, noting that the finalists represented a wide array of exceptional talent. “In Chris and Marty we see two very different but equally brilliant writers and performers who have both conjured something that only they could have,” Lewin remarked. Nica Burns, director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, and Emma Brunjes, the executive director, expressed their admiration for the winning acts. They highlighted the immense talent present at the festival, particularly within the comedy category, which remained the largest this year. “With so much talent to choose from, the judges’ debate was knowledgeable, exciting and passionate,” they stated. Their comments underscored the high standards and competitive nature of the awards. The Edinburgh Comedy Awards continue to serve as a vital platform for emerging and established comedians alike, offering recognition and financial support to those whose work resonates with audiences and critics. As the festival draws to a close, the achievements of Gleeson and Cantrill stand as a testament to the creativity and diversity of voices contributing to the world of comedy.