The Edinburgh Festivals are buzzing like never before, and amid the whirlwind of performances, some specific talents are grabbing attention with their standout acts. Just recently, the first winners of The Skinny-Fest Festival Awards—often affectionately dubbed "The Besties"—were announced, recognizing exceptional contributions across various Edinburgh festivals.
This inaugural collection of awards aims to spotlight significant artistic accomplishments across the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Art Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The awards, which blend input from The Skinny, Fest magazine, Capital Theatres, and Premier Scotland, present beautifully crafted trophies to winners, celebrating the spirit and diversity of these renowned arts events.
During the ceremony held at the illustrious Festival Theatre on August 10th, the show was hosted by the vibrant Australian comedian Michelle Brasier. The event featured performances from the talented cast of A History of Paper, offering attendees not just the awards but also lively entertainment.
This year’s winners represent the best of the best showcased during the first week of the Edinburgh Festival, with awards covering various aspects of the festival experience. The highlights included:
The Outwith Award, intended for the best international artist or production, was awarded to Lou Wall for her explosive show The Bisexual Lament held at Pleasance Courtyard. Critics lauded Wall's performance as packed with high-energy and unapologetic silliness. Ben Venables from Fest commented, "[Wall] can play the internet like it’s a musical instrument." This award spotlighted Wall's unique method of blending traditional performances with modern digital storytelling.
Next up was the Radgie of the Festivals, awarded for the boldest performance or behavior, which went to Joe Kent-Walters for his outstanding act Frankie Monroe: LIVE!!! at Monkey Barrel Comedy. This performance intrigued audiences with its blend of grotesquerie and humor, making Kent-Walters stand out among the festival’s comic offerings. A reviewer from Fest, Evan Beswick, posed the question: "What is this greasepaint-faced northern ghoul scuttling up to the stage?" The performance challenged viewers to simultaneously laugh at and empathize with the character's oddities.
Meanwhile, the newly introduced Sexy Award, celebrating the best depiction of sexiness and eroticism on stage, was presented to the Internationaal Theater Amsterdam for their daring production of Penthesilea at the Royal Lyceum Theatre. This adaptation of the classic Heinrich von Kleist play received praise for its raw and visceral approach to portraying desire alongside the violence of war, marking it as one of the most compelling showcases of the festival.
John Norris was recognized with the Night Owl award for his late-night show Mr Chonkers/Mr Chonkers Presents... Piggy Time at Monkey Barrel Comedy. His dedication to fostering the quirky and eclectic spirit of the Fringe led to this accolade, highlighting his role not just as a performer, but as someone who embodies the festival's culture.
One of the standout productions for children this year can be found with Garry Starr’s Monkeys Everywhere. Winning the Best Kids Show award, the production is being celebrated for its ability to entertain audiences of all ages, masterfully blending physical comedy with commentary on mental health. Parent buzz around Starr's playful humor underscores its unique appeal, promising laughter and engagement for kids and adults alike.
This year's Next Big Thing Award for Emergent Talent went to Kim Blyth for her debut hour Might as Well at Gilded Balloon. Blyth, who originally gained attention through TikTok, was praised as demonstrating her potential for serious artistic impact on the comedy scene.
Finally, with the New Writing Award, The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return by Chalk Line Theatre was celebrated for its incisive take on life in one of the UK’s most economically deprived areas. By glancing back to the noughties and bringing Luton’s struggles to life, the production combines wit, charm, and poignant narrative, garnering significant attention from both critics and audiences.
These prestigious awards are determined each week by the editorial teams at The Skinny and Fest, reflecting their nuanced expertise across the festivals and ensuring winners not only meet but exceed festival standards. The next award presentations are scheduled for Saturday the 17th and the 24th of August, promising more surprises and heartfelt recognitions for standout performers and productions.
The continued evolution and celebration of outstanding talent at the Edinburgh Festivals stands as a vibrant reminder of the arts' power to captivate, provoke, and connect people from all walks of life. Whether through innovative storytelling, bold performances, or uplifting productions for families, Edinburgh remains at the forefront of cultural celebrations, attracting artists and audiences eager to participate.
