Kate Dolan: Trout has won Best Show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in The Comedians’ Choice Awards 2026 - as voted by comedians performing at the Edinburgh Fringe this year.
Kate said ‘I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, I wasn’t even this happy on my wedding day. I’m so honoured, who knows more about comedy than comedians, and all men of course.’
Marty Gleeson was named Best Newcomer. Marty’s delayed arrival resulted in a hilarious false alarm when the crowd erupted in cheers for a late arrival, only to realise it wasn’t Marty but just quite a convincing lookalike.
When she was presented with her award, the real Marty Gleeson commented ‘This is really so cool. Thank you everyone who’s come to the show, supported in any way and thank you to the comedians for voting and for your time and friendships. I love laughing with you. It’s your opinion that matters the most and this means really so much. I’m honoured. Crazy day.’
The award for Best Person (to recognise anyone working in any capacity at the annual festival) was awarded to Claire McCluskey, Head of Production at Monkey Barrel Comedy. Claire said ‘I’m super grateful to everyone for voting for silly old me and I feel very lucky. Also, truly it’s a team effort - David, Ewen, Liam and Ross.’
The awards ceremony, at The Three Sisters was hosted by 2025 winner Alison Spittle.
The other shows shortlisted for The Best Show Award were "Be Good!" with Paulette, Dan Tiernan: Quartz and All, Elf Lyons is The Woman on the Edge, Lady Bolognese: Class War, Lara Ricote: INKLING, Sid Singh: Love Bombing, Tom Short: I Get ChatGPT To Write My Edinburgh Show & UNDERGROUND MONK SHOW
The other performers shortlisted for Best Newcomer were Ben McCarthy, Ethan & Gigi, Evaldas Karosas, Lady Bolognese, Lawrence Dodd, Madeleine Brettingham, Paul Hilleard, Sam Eley, Sapphire McIntosh and Zoe Wohlfeld.
Founded by comedian Barry Ferns in 2014, these unique awards set out to help highlight the amazing work of those who may well otherwise go unrecognised, as judged by those who understand their efforts the best: their peers. Every comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe is eligible to both cast a vote, and to be voted for. There is no panel of judges, no industry specialists – only the performers themselves decide whom amongst them is worthy of special recognition. Previous winners of The Comedians’ Choice Award for Best Show have included Mat Ewins, Julia Masli, Joz Norris, Elf Lyons, Bec Hill and Alison Spittle.
Photo credit Ed Moore @edshots
