Best in Class have announced a new award in memory of north west comedian Marie Goulbourne.
The winner will receive
-Two weeks of accommodation at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
-Opportunities to perform at Comedy Queers during the festival
-Mentoring from Best in Class directors Sian Davies, Dani Johns and Tom Mayhew
-Support with finding spots at the festival
-Introduction to other artists and promoters
-A trophy
The award is open to comedians of any experience level who are working class, queer and northern. Crucially they should not be taking a show to the fringe and must not have spent more than around one weekend at the fringe previously. They must be available to take their prize either 28th July- 12th August or 12th-25th August.
Who is Marie Goulbourne?
Marie Goulbourne was a much loved north west comedian who unexpectedly died in October 2024. She had been making waves on the comedy circuit and won the northern regional heat of the BBC New Comedy Award less than a week before her death.
Best in Class founder Sian Davies said “Marie spent last August in Edinburgh and she was in her element. She rushed about doing spots at different compilation shows. She supported her friends and watched her comedy heroes on stage. She networked, she mingled and she played pinball at the Dave Party. She took all of the opportunities to throw herself into the whole fringe experience and it was a pleasure to share that journey with her. This award feels like the best way to honour Marie’s memory, by giving someone else a similar experience. Anyone who wants to make a donation to Best in Class in Marie’s memory can contribute to our Go Fund Me campaign. Hopefully we can support more queer, northern working class comics in Marie’s name for many years to come. I think she would be quite proud of that.”
Tom Mayhew, Best in Class co-director added “The Best in Class application process has become really competitive. We recognise that we have many more people applying than we can put on the line up. This bursary offers a further opportunity for someone to join the Best in Class family, someone who might not have been experienced enough to make the final eight places on the showcase.”
Dani Johns, Best in Class co-director said “We’re looking for someone who can take this opportunity and use it to maximise their potential, just like we witnessed Marie do last year. If you fit the criteria and you want to spend two weeks at the fringe with us, apply now!”
Applications for the Marie Goulbourne Award are open from 15th April to 15th May 2025.