London Hughes and Jessica Fostekew are among the comics on the shortlist of nine nominees, while Catherine Cohen is up for best newcomer

The shortlist for the biggest prize in live comedy, the Edinburgh Comedy award, has been announced – and it’s one of the most diverse in the history of what used to be the Perrier. Straight standup, autobiographical shows, experimentalism and prop comedy are all recognised, alongside two sketch shows – representing a mini-revival for the artform. A year after New Zealand’s Rose Matafeo became the first person of colour to win the main award as a solo performer, two strong black British comedians also feature.

It’s a shortlist (or not-so-shortlist, given the record-equalling tally of comics involved) that features old hands and first-timers. The convention-bending Jordan Brookes makes a second appearance after 2017’s Body of Work, and his new, part-improvised offering I’ve Got Nothing will be among the favourites. Goofball Spencer Jones – whose sitcom The Mind of Herbert Clunkerdunk recently broadcast on BBC2 – was also nominated two summers ago. Birmingham standup Darren Harriott – a best newcomer nominee in the same year – graduates to the main list.

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