NextUp (‘the Netflix of UK stand-up’) has announced the long-list of nominees for the Biggest Award in Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, selected by NextUp members and their panel of scouts.

This year’s longlist features a particularly strong collection of Fringe debuts alongside character comedy, clowning, storytelling and stand-up from across the UK and beyond.

Last year’s winner, Ayoade Bamgboye, went on to win the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer before joining the inaugural cast of Saturday Night Live UK, establishing her as one of British comedy’s breakout performers.

The winner receives the BIGGEST award in comedy ever (size-wise, that is)

The nominated acts are as follows:

The winning act will receive a 2 metre 4cm inflatable trophy (literally the biggest award in comedy):

Plus:

• an air pump

• a carry case so the lucky winner can proudly display it wherever they go

• £500 

• The option to have their special recorded for the NextUp Platform

Sarah Henley,  co-founder of NextUp says: “Our members and scouts have selected 20 brilliant contenders. We’re now looking forward to discovering who gets the glory, the £500 and the deeply impractical journey home.”

NextUp users can now vote for the winner (announced on the 27th August) at nextupcomedy.com/biggestaward. Voting closes at midnight on the 25th.

The award presentation will be held on 27th August.

Eligible productions must be comedy shows lasting at least 50 minutes and programmed for 20 or more performances during the Fringe.

NextUp are streaming shows from the Edinburgh Festival - programme here.