Comedy of the Week Comedy of the Week

Edinburgh Comedy Awards Gala 2026

Sep 1, 2026 · 56m

Summary

Hosted by Catherine Bohart, the 2026 Edinburgh Comedy Awards Gala features a lineup of nominees including Omar Badawi, Chris Cantrell, and Fatia El Ghor. The episode highlights the competitive spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe as comedians battle for the biggest prize in comedy. Performers share personal anecdotes ranging from body dysmorphia and cultural identity to the absurdities of daily life, culminating in the announcement of the Best Show winner.

Topics discussed

Introduction to the Ed Fringe Comedy Awards Gala Host Catherine Bohart introduces the competitive format Audience interaction and first-time attendee reactions Fatie El Gore on insecurity and Brazil's Christ statue Mental health, men's issues, and Hemingway's sad story Transition and brief segment on rain and England Harriet Dyer on Hackney's gentrification and identity Fatie El Gore on family calls and dating app profiles Discussion on physical types, vibes, and hijab metaphors Tom Tell on being a maths teacher and singing Tom Tell continues with song lyrics and audience participation Omar Badawi on attending a protest in fancy dress Omar Badawi on Egyptian stereotypes and school plays Omar Badawi on conversions and his dad's football habits Marty Gleason on the future, extinct pasta, and dogs Tribute to David and transition to nominees Spencer Jones on singlehood, phone theft, and relationships Li Jin Howo on room tilt, italics, and fire alarms Li Jin Howo on bus drivers and stand-up structure Dan Tiern on dog walkers and picking up poo Chris Cantrell wins Best Show and performs set Credits and production details for the gala Promo for BBC Sounds and gene therapy news
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